CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Sends Message to Kenyans After Painful Exit

CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Sends Message to Kenyans After Painful Exit

  • Kenya suffered a heartbreaking loss in the quarter-final to Madagascar on penalties in front of a packed Kasarani
  • Benni McCarthy guided Kenya in five matches at the tournament, won three, including a win over the favourites, Morocco
  • Madagascar will now face off with the winner between Sudan and Algeria in CHAN semi finals as Kenya turned focus on World Cup qualifiers

Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy has sent a touching message to Kenyans after they exited the CHAN 2024 on Friday, August 22.

Benni McCarthy has sent a lovely message to Kenyans after Haramebe Stars were knocked out of CHAN by Madagascar
Benni went undefeated at CHAN 2024 in regular time. Photos by Edwin Ndeke/Anadolu and Harambee Stars.
Source: Getty Images

Kenya lost to Madagascar on penalties in the quarter-finals after dominating most of the match.

Harambee Stars could have won the match if Ryan Ogam's goal to double the lead had stood. Many Kenyans were left confused as to why it was disallowed.

How did Kenya lose to Madagascar?

By reaching the quarter-finals, Harambee Stars had already made history. Never before had they advanced this far in a major tournament.

Read also

Benni McCarthy shares honest thoughts on disallowed goal, Madagascar penalty

They went into the game with high confidence after a brilliant group-stage performance, where they finished top, ahead of pre-tournament favourites Morocco.

Against Madagascar, they were in top form. They dominated possession in the first half and created several good opportunities in and around their opponent's box.

Boniface Muchiri, having an incredible game, delivered a beautiful cross that Alphonce Omija headed in to give Kenya the lead just minutes into the second half.

Ogam's goal was also controversially disallowed minutes later.

Lewis Bandi handled the ball in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for the Barea. Fenohasina Razafimaro converted the penalty in the 69th minute to equalise.

It was an end-to-end contest after Madagascar scored, with both sides having chances to win it in regular and extra time.

In the penalty shootout, Kenya gained an advantage after Byrne Omondi saved Madagascar's second penalty.

However, Toldo saved Mike Kibwage's penalty, and Omija missed, giving Madagascar a 4-3 win.

Read also

Machachari's Govi sends moving message to Harambee Stars' player Kibwage after missing penalty

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What did Benni McCarthy say after CHAN exit?

After the game, McCarthy showered his players and fans with praise.

"Nothing but being proud of what we achieved. I think the players gave me everything. Every single day in training, really good. So I can't complain about anything but football yeah, lottery, penalties," he told the media after the game.
Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy shared a lovely message after Kenya's CHAN exit
Harambee Stars were hoping to lift the CHAN 2024 trophy on home soil, but their dream was crushed. Photo by Edwin Ndeke/Anadolu.
Source: Getty Images
"Fans have been incredible. They've been with us, and I think. They pushed us on really much, and I think. Kenyan football is on the up."
"The future of Kenya is bright. I understand people are disappointed but we were not meant to be here. You get through that group, then you count your blessings," he said

Kenya will play The Gambia and Seychelles in the World Cup qualifiers next month.

Has Benni McCarthy transformed Kenyan football?

McCarthy was appointed Harambee Stars coach in March, sparking excitement among fans.

Read also

Video: Harambee Stars players in tears after brutal exit from CHAN 2024

He replaced Engin Firat, who was a divisive figure and had failed to take Kenya to AFCON 2025. Former Kenyan international Titus Mulama was happy with his arrival.

His appointment brought renewed interest in the national team, which had struggled under previous coaches, and fans are optimistic about Kenya's football under McCarthy.

Harambee Stars players in tears after CHAN exit

In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that Kenyan players and staff broke down in tears after their exit from CHAN.

After Madagascar won the penalty shootout, Harambee Stars players were devastated as their opponents celebrated.

The stadium went silent after Omija missed the decisive penalty kick.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Edwin Kiplagat avatar

Edwin Kiplagat (Sports Editor) Edwin Kiplagat has 8 years of experience in journalism and is currently a sports editor at Tuko. He has written sports stories from across the African continent while at Africa InSight, ESPN, Editec, and Sports Brief. Edwin obtained a degree in Journalism from Multimedia University in 2016. Email: edwin.kiplagat@sportsbrief.com.

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