Harambee Stars coach gives reason for sidelining Austin Odhiambo against Madagascar

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has explained why he put super star Austin Odhiambo on the bench for the entire Madagascar clash.

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Kenya took on Madagascar in the first quarter final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Friday 22 August with Madagascar booking a place in the last four through post match penalties.

Harambee Stars crash out of CHAN after penalty heartbreak against Madagascar

After a 1-1 draw in regular time, Madagascar emerged 4-3 victors on post-match penalties, to book a place in the last four for the second time in a row.

The most shocking event in the match was the decision to not only bench Odhiambo, who is undoubtedly Kenya's most creative midfielder, but to also leave him on the bench for the entire match.

As expected, McCarthy was pressed by journalists to provide a reason for making that decision.

"It was a tactical decision," McCarthy said. "We wanted to dominate in midfield, and I just felt the game was going according to how we set up."

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The former South African international however expressed his disappointment with the manner in which the team crashed out of the tournament, noting that Madagascar were better than what he had expected.

“Nothing but proud of what we have achieved. The players gave me everything; in training and on the field.

We expected a tough game but we did not expect them (Madagascar) to have all these movements on and off the ball so I also want to congratulate Madagascar,” he added.

Despite exiting the tournament, the former Amazulu FC head coach picked positives from the tournament, predicting a better future for soccer in the country.

“Kenyan Football is on an upward trajectory. We are very disappointed but when you look back at what we achieved, you get proud of the achievements of this team,” he noted.

With the win, Madagascar will now meet the winner of the clash between Algeria and Sudan who face off today, Saturday 23 August at the Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar from 2000 hrs.

As it happened: Harambee Stars eliminated on penalties by Madagascar in tense CHAN Quarterfinal