The Marrakech air crackled with anticipation as Harambee Stars vs Chad international friendly 2025 brought a turning point for Kenyan football. Under the floodlights of Stade de Marrakech, the story was not merely about a 2-1 victory, but about the arrival of a new heartbeat for Kenyan football, personified in Benni McCarthy’s maiden win and the hungry local talents eager to write a new chapter.
New leadership, fresh energy
Benni McCarthy, a tactician known for his passionate approach and tactical clarity, took the reins as head coach in March 2025. The South African’s reputation preceded him, coming from high-profile coaching roles and a distinguished playing career. This international window in Morocco, culminating in Tuesday night’s win, was more than an assessment of form—it was a laboratory where McCarthy’s vision would emerge under pressure.
After a goalless and frustrating draw in the first meeting, criticism loomed. Players were accused of carrying a domestic league mentality that didn’t match the demands of international football. But in the second friendly, energy shifted—on the touchline, McCarthy’s presence was magnetic, and on the pitch, his fingerprints were everywhere.
Breaking the drought with style
The match began with Kenya demonstrating a sharpness that had been missing. Emmanuel Osoro, a striker from FC Talanta and one of the five big headlines from this window, announced his international intentions emphatically. He struck first, finishing coolly from a Ben Stanley Omondi cross in the 18th minute, rewarding the coach’s trust and setting the tempo for what followed.
Before halftime, David Sakwa doubled the lead, his effort rippling the net and sending the Harambee Stars into the break with a 2-0 cushion. For a team still learning its manager’s system, these goals weren’t just points on a scoreboard—they were evidence of tactical moves coming to life and players responding with real intent.
Chad’s fightback and the Stars’ resolve
Chad showed resilience after the interval. Ali Mahamat Adam’s goal midway through the second half injected tension, testing Kenya’s defensive organisation. The pressure mounted, but the Stars’ back line, a blend of experience and youth, held steadfast.
This resilience was crucial, not only for the scoreboard but for instilling belief in the squad ahead of the upcoming CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025—an event Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. The victory ended a winless streak and set the tone for higher ambitions.
Five standout players illuminate the path forward
- Emmanuel Osoro – took his moment with both hands, scoring his maiden goal and playing tirelessly across two attacking positions, giving the team versatility up front,
- Ben Stanley Omondi – on his first start, the Gor Mahia midfielder offered sharp creative thrust from the wing and a crucial assist, alleviating creative pressure from Austin Odhiambo,
- Alpha Onyango – stamped his mark in midfield with both composure and leadership, not only dictating the tempo but earning enough trust to wear the armband in just his second international appearance,
- Boniface Muchiri – utilising his experience, he made shrewd runs and delivered pinpoint set pieces, creating chances and threatening Chad’s defence,
- Austin Odhiambo – became a focal point in advancing play, discovering spaces and threading progressive passes, giving the Harambee Stars a creative edge they have long craved.
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McCarthy’s vision and the rise of local talents
McCarthy’s post-match words resonated with both pride and pragmatism. “I’m delighted for the team that they got a win they deserve and hopefully we can build from this,” he shared. The difference from Saturday’s goalless draw was evident: where previously the attack had faltered, this match was defined by decisive action, greater movement, and renewed understanding between players.
Part of this transformation came from McCarthy’s bold use of local-based talents. Only William Lenkupae and Adam Wilson, both playing abroad, were retained from the first match’s starting lineup. The rest of the team was an audition for Kenya Premier League standouts, and they seized the moment—proving that the domestic league remains a rich well of talent for the national side. Youngsters like Emmanuel Osoro and Ben Stanley Omondi learned alongside seasoned campaigners such as Brian Mandela and Brian Bwire, accelerating their growth in the pressure-cooker environment of international football.
Tactical evolution and team chemistry
The tactical gains were no accident. Osoro’s movement off the shoulder of defenders, Omondi’s visionary passing, Alpha Onyango’s ability to control from deep—these were tactical points drilled in by McCarthy finally coming to fruition. The manager had previously lamented on “missed chances and lack of composure,” but this night told a different story.
Defensively, Kenya responded well to Chad’s late onslaught, maintaining structure and discipline—qualities that will serve them well against higher-ranked opponents when CHAN kicks off. The blend of youth and experience brought a new spark, with players like Lewis Bandi, who transitioned seamlessly from right back into midfield, adding a modern edge to the squad’s style.
Eyes on CHAN 2025
The broad takeaway from this international window is one of cautious optimism. Kenya remains the higher-ranked of the two, sitting at 111th to Chad’s 177th on the FIFA table, but ranking becomes irrelevant unless the team gels on big occasions. CHAN 2025 looms as the first litmus test for Benni McCarthy’s project, and the performance against Chad suggests foundations are being laid stone by stone.
The upcoming weeks are crucial. The conclusion of the Kenyan Premier League will see players turning their full attention to the national team. McCarthy’s vow to give the fans a team “very ready so that we get more victories and the fans get happier” underlines the sense of purpose in camp. The hunger to represent Kenya on home soil, particularly with the tournament being co-hosted, fuels a unique pressure—and opportunity.
From statistics to stories—why this matters
Football’s beauty lies in its ability to reflect national spirit. Every pass, every block, every surge forward on the field is a fragment of a larger narrative. What we witnessed in Marrakech was not merely a friendly result; it was a glimpse at leadership paying off, at young dreams being realised, and at a team learning to believe again.
The Harambee Stars vs Chad international friendly 2025 stands as more than a match report—it became a chapter in a larger journey. The stars of this window—Osoro, Omondi, Onyango, Muchiri, Odhiambo—are more than names on a teamsheet. They are torch bearers for a nation eager to reclaim pride on the continental stage. As Benni McCarthy rallies his troops for the battles ahead, Kenyan football fans can look forward to a team not just chasing results, but playing with renewed heart and focus.
A future full of promise
If the Marrakech win can be distilled into one lesson, it’s that the future is shaped by the courage to try new things and the wisdom to learn quickly. From tactical improvements to emergence of new leaders, this was about growth. The momentum is real—and as CHAN 2025 approaches, so is the sense that Kenya is ready to dream again.
