CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Aims Brutal Swipe at Tanzania After Kenya Win Group A
- Benni McCarthy sarcastically wished Tanzania luck ahead of their quarter-final match against Morocco at CHAN 2024
- Tanzania landed the two-time CHAN winners after Harambee Stars beat Zambia to win the group and avoid a trip to Dar es Salaam
- On paper, Harambee Stars had a difficult run in the group stage compared to the 'easy' fixtures Tanzania had, as they easily topped Group B
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Kenya men's national football team coach, Benni McCarthy, took a brutal swipe at Tanzania following the confirmation of who will be playing who in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals.
Source: UGC
Harambee Stars beat Zambia on Sunday at a half-packed Kasarani Stadium to top Group A despite all odds.
Kenya had been grouped against tough teams in the continent like Morocco, DR Congo and Angola but emerged unbeaten, winning three games and drawing one.
They are now set to play their quarter-final match in Nairobi, where they will host Madagascar on Friday, August 22, at the Kasarani Stadium.
The island nation finished second in Group B behind Tanzania after beating Burkina Faso on the final day to usurp Mauritania from that spot.
Tanzania, meanwhile, will face Morocco in Dar es Salaam a few hours after Kenya's game in Nairobi.
There had been a few concerns that Kenya could draw Tanzania in the next round. Had Harambee Stars finished second, that would have set up a tasty clash against their East African rivals in Dar es Salaam.
Benni McCarthy aims brutal swipe at Tanzania
Speaking after the win over Zambia, McCarthy took issue with the naysayers, especially the Tanzanian fans who have been casting doubt on Harambee Stars' performances.
McCarthy has now wished the Taifa Stars all the best in their game against Morocco, albeit in jest.
"Tanzania will get their wish, and they will experience what we experienced. The group of death, now Morocco is going to Tanzania, so I want feedback after the Morocco game, so that they know what we went through in this tournament. So yeah, good luck to Tanzania in the next round," he said.
Source: UGC
The South African coach masterminded a hard-fought win over Morocco despite playing the second half with a man less.
Ryan Ogam had put Kenya in the driving seat, but Crispine Erambo's red card just before half-time changed the game plan.
McCarthy made some key changes throughout the second half as Kenya held on for a memorable win over the North African giants.
Morocco bounced back immediately, beating Zambia and DR Congo by identical 3-1 scorelines to ensure their dream of reclaiming the trophy remains alive.
Having played in front of raucous home support for Kenya, the Atlas Lions will have to endure something similar when they face Tanzania in Dar.
Tanzania vs Morocco H2H
Tanzania have a poor record against their quarter-final opponents and will be the underdogs despite their home support.
The two teams are in the same qualification group for next year's World Cup, where Morocco beat Tanzania home and away.
The first leg in Dar and the reverse fixture in Oujda ended in identical 2-0 scorelines. Morocco lead that group with 15 points and are on the cusp of qualifying for the World Cup.
They also met in the group stages of last year's Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, where Morocco won 3-0.
Tanzania head coach sends message to rivals
Tanzania coach Hemed 'Morocco' Suleiman had previously sent a warning to their next opponents, insisting that his side won't be afraid of anyone.
"To win the title, you need to win. Tough matches, too. Our target is not just to reach the knockout stage, but to go all the way. We have been preparing for every possible scenario," he said.
"Whether we face Kenya, Morocco or DR Congo, we know the strengths. And weaknesses. We will approach the match with the same winning mindset. We respect all our opponents, but respect does not mean fear. Football is about competing, and we have shown that we can compete with anyone."
Tanzania beat Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Mauritania, before drawing with the Central African Republic en route to winning the group.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
