Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. Photo: FKF Media

Benni McCarthy opened up on his decision to delay bringing in Ryan Ogam, Manzur Okwaro, Boniface Muchiri and other CHAN 2024 standouts during Harambee Stars’ loss to Gambia.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has explained why he was not quick to make substitutes in the first half of the second leg of the World Cup qualifier match against The Gambia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday evening.

Harambee Stars went into the break 3-0 down, prompting Benni McCarthy to shake things up at the start of the second half.

Sheriff Sinyan placed The Gambia in the lead, scoring in the 12th minute. Yankuba Minteh scored in the 26th minute, with Musa Barrow finding the back of the net in the 38th minute

Harambee Stars raised their level after calling up players who featured at the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).

Ryan Ogam came on and scored Kenya’s only goal, a consolation in the 81st minute. Alpha Onyango was also brought on at halftime to help stabilise the midfield, with Manzur Okwaro also being included, contributing to a better second-half performance for Harambee Stars. Job Ochieng and Boniface Muchiri were also brought in.

Benni McCarthy stressed that adding more international players could be the game-changer, noting that while the team impressed early in the first half, they failed to make their chances count.

Benni McCarthy added that he did not want to be unfair to the starting 11 by giving them a few minutes, but after the first half, he did not have a choice. The former Manchester United attacking coach noted that after the three goals, he believed it was time to make a change.

“I thought we started on the brighter side. We had the most possession, and we had three corners that we could have gotten some joy from. So, I think the team was very positive, so there was no need for me to change so early,” Benni McCarthy said.

“It would also be unfair to the players who were struggling a little bit, and then we would leave it to halftime and see maybe if we change things around and bring in more quality and energy.

“As I said, three mistakes, three costly mistakes, but other than that, we were okay, we weren’t too bad. When the halftime came, I felt like it was only right to make the substitutions then.”

Harambee Stars face Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, and Benni McCarthy will be looking for nothing short of a win.