Benni McCarthy: Man United Players Congratulate Harambee Stars Coach after CHAN 2024 Win
- Two Manchester United players have reacted after Harambee Stars beat DRC in their first game of CHAN 2024
- United have deep ties with Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, who was based in Carrington before the Kenya job
- McCarthy's wife also left him a simple but lovely message after the win against one of the tournament favourites
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Manchester United players have congratulated Benni McCarthy after his win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Source: UGC
McCarthy marshalled his Harambee Stars side to a win in their first-ever appearance at the African Nations Championships.
The game, which was held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, was far from a classic, but Harambee Stars dug deep to get the result.
Austine Odhiambo's goal vs DR Congo
Austine Odhiambo produced a moment of magic inside the box to score the only goal of the game and help Kenya bag three crucial points.
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McCarthy's men were up against it, given that they were facing two-time winners of this competition.
After a shaky start, the boys found their composure in the middle of the pack. Alpha Onyango, who was named Man of the Match, dictated and controlled play in the middle of the field to allow the team to settle.
The result was well received by fans, led by President William Ruto, who was in attendance at the Kasarani Stadium. Former premier Raila Odinga and CAF President Patrice Motsepe were present as well.
The congratulatory messages came from far and wide, with McCarthy's former players at Manchester United reacting as well.
Before taking up the Harambee Stars job, the South African tactician was a forwards' coach at United, where he worked with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Red Devils players, led by reserve goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, commented on McCarthy's post on Instagram with love emojis. Andre Onana liked the post, while former United star Hannibal Mejbri also commented.
Source: UGC
Others who reacted to the post include McCarthy's wife, Stacey Munro, Harambee Stars' overall captain, Michael Olunga, former captain Victor Wanyama and left back, Eric Ouma.
"So proud of you," read the message from the wife.
Manchester United win Premier League Summer Series
The reactions came at a time when Manchester United scored a big win of their own.
Ruben Amorim's side won the Premier League Summer Series in the United States ahead of the new season.
United drew against Everton, but it was enough to help them finish on top of the four-team tournament. Captain Bruno Fernandes lifted the trophy.
Benni McCarthy reacts after Harambee Stars win
Speaking after the game, the former Amazulu head coach lauded his players for the result, given that not many had prior experience of playing in such a big tournament.
He also spoke of President Ruto's motivation after he promised the players KSh 1 million each for the win.
"When you win football games, you get greatly rewarded. It was a great initiative from President Ruto to come in and motivate the boys and give them such a huge incentive because it can be life-changing for many of these players," he said.
"They don't have the biggest of salaries like what we see out there. For me, we have to worry about winning football matches first, then aftewards, we can now count our money."
What next for Harambee Stars?
Harambee Stars will now have a short period of recovery and advance their training before they play Angola on Thursday evening.
The Palanca Negras would be wounded animals after losing to Morocco in their opening game on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium.
A win against Angola wouldn't secure progression to the next round, but it would put Kenya in pole position ahead of the big game against Morocco on Sunday.
When will Harambee Stars players get their money?
At the same time, President Ruto has revealed when the players will get their KSh 1 million after the win over DR Congo.
Ruto visited the players in the dressing room to congratulate them on their win and promised to pay the bonuses immediately.
He urged them to keep up the good work and show the same tenacity when they play Angola.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
