Benni McCarthy Hails Kenya’s Character After Late Fightback Against Bafana Bafana
Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy hailed his side’s resilience after they battled back twice to secure a dramatic draw against Bafana Bafana at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. The former South African striker described the result as a fair outcome, believing both teams had done enough to earn a share of the spoils in an entertaining contest.
McCarthy admitted the match was far from the controlled performance he had hoped to see from his players. The encounter developed into an open affair with chances flowing at both ends, leaving the Kenya mentor frustrated by the lack of structure but pleased with the determination his team showed throughout the evening.
The Harambee Stars found themselves under pressure for long spells, particularly from South Africa’s attacking width. McCarthy revealed that he was forced to make tactical adjustments during the match, switching to a back-three formation to deal with the threat posed by Bafana’s full-backs and wingers.
According to the coach, the change helped Kenya regain stability and become more competitive in key areas of the pitch. While South Africa continued to ask questions, the visitors looked more balanced after the adjustment and managed to remain within touching distance until the closing stages.
McCarthy also reserved special praise for captain Michael Olunga, whose leadership and professionalism once again stood out. The experienced forward produced another influential display and achieved a significant personal milestone, further cementing his place among Kenya’s football greats.
The former Cape Town City and AmaZulu coach defended his squad selection, insisting that current form and the level of competition faced by players were major factors in his decisions. He explained that he preferred choosing footballers regularly competing in demanding leagues rather than those lacking consistent game time.
McCarthy also threw his support behind Amos Nondi, who was deployed in an unfamiliar midfield role because of injuries within the squad. Despite suffering the misfortune of an own goal, the Kenya coach felt the player handled the challenge admirably and delivered a performance that reflected his commitment to the team.
Looking ahead, McCarthy expressed confidence in the direction Kenya is heading as preparations continue for future continental challenges. He spoke of integrating more young talent into the national setup and hinted at a more adventurous approach when the two sides meet again in Nairobi, where he hopes his team can seize the initiative on home soil.