CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Hits Back at DR Congo Coach Who Accused Kenya of Spying
- Benni McCarhty has fired back at DR Congo boss Otis N'Goma, who accused Kenya of spying on his team before they faced Harambee Stars
- The two teams faced each other on August 3, with the host nation securing a narrow 1-0 victory at Kasarani
- DR Congo have won once since while Kenya have won one and drawn one, and a close to reaching the quarters
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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has responded to accusations of spying made by DR Congo's coach Otis N'Goma ahead of their CHAN 2024 clash.
Source: Twitter
Kenya secured a narrow 1-0 victory over DR Congo in their opening match at CHAN 2024 at Kasarani Stadium, but drama unfolded before the clash.
Nearly two weeks have passed since the two sides met, and Harambee Stars are closing in on a spot in the quarter-finals.
What did DR Congo say about Harambee Stars?
During his first press conference on Saturday, August 2, DR Congo's coach controversially claimed that Kenya had spied on their training.
"Out strategy for Sunday's game is to manage the game. They sent some scouts to scout our training yesterday [Friday, August 1]. He is complaining about it is unfair but is waiting to see what will happen during the game," he said.
Will DR Congo reach CHAN 2024 quarter final?
They have won the tournament twice and need to secure positive results in their final two matches to have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
The Leopards, who are making their seventh appearance at the tournament, have played two matches at CHAN 2024, winning one and losing one.
DR Congo coach Otis N'Goma is sidelined with an injury, so he is out indefinitely, according to CAF. Their assistant coach, Daouda Lupembe, is concerned about qualification.
“Being afraid of qualification is normal. But being afraid of losing is what leads to defeat. We must take this pressure positively; it must motivate us,” he said. "The whole Republic is behind these young people, and we believe in our ability to produce beautiful play and a good result.”
Source: Getty Images
What has Benni McCarthy said about DR Congo?
Nearly two weeks after Otis N'Goma accused Kenya of spying, Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has responded.
In a post shared on Instagram of N'Goma's quote, the South African shared his comment.
"Spying on them for what reason 🤷🏾♂️ we don’t need to spy on anyone, we do our homework properly on each team we face and that’s good enough for us, don’t invent stories. Be gracious in defeat 🙏🏽 please," McCarthy said.
The former Manchester United coach is preparing his team for their clash against Zambia next Sunday. They need at least a point to advance, but their matches could be relocated if security concerns are not addressed.
Benni McCarthy thanks Jose Mourinho
In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that Benni McCarthy thanked Jose Mourinho for his team's win over Morocco.
Harambee Stars defeated Morocco last Sunday but had to play the second half with 10 men.
Mourinho coached McCarthy at Porto in the mid-2000s, and they won the 2004 Champions League together.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
