How Harambee Stars relied on Benni McCarthy's secret blueprint to punish Seychelles

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy was one of the happier men during the post-match press conference, after seeing his side properly execute the laid-out game plan in a routine 5-0 victory over Seychelles at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, 9 September.

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The former Bafana Bafana striker, spotting a cheeky smile in front of the media, lauded his side for a professional performance, but more so for pulling off moves they had rehearsed a day before the game, which lent them a huge helping hand in what was his biggest win since taking over in March.

“We worked a bit on set pieces yesterday,” McCarthy said. “We knew that team (Seychelles) was not the tallest, so if we put the balls in the right areas, we could get some joy.”

And joy they found.

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The hosts, needing an early goal to settle some nerves emanating from their 3-1 humbling to The Gambia, nailed McCarthy’s blueprint inside seven minutes to take the lead, as Duke Abuya lifted a fine freekick from the left for Ryan Ogam to head past Robertson Padayachy.

The same set-play - from nearly a similar spot - would see Harambee Stars double their advantage in the 35th minute, this time Abuya finding towering centre back Collins Sichenje at the back-post.

The two goals were followed by another pair to close out the half, before skipper Michael Olunga again feasted on the diminutive backline to crash in a pinpoint cross from Rooney Onyango to complete the rout.

Speaking of the general performance, McCarthy said: “We did exactly what we said we wanted to do - to take the game to them, not make it easy for them from the first minute, and when we create chances, just be a bit more ruthless and clinical.”

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Though aware of Seychelles’ standing as the lowest-ranked African country by FIFA, McCarthy said he asked his players to take it seriously, knowing they carried some risk.

“We did not take the match for granted,” McCarthy said. “We knew they were not as strong as Gambia was, but we also did not want to underestimate them.”

Comparing The Pirates to a team Harambee Stars faced during last month’s African Nations Championships (CHAN), the 47-year-old said: “They are pretty similar to what we faced when we played Madagascar. They have individual players of good quality, and if you are not careful, they could hurt you.

But I think everybody stood up tall and they picked themselves up well and scored five goals.”

Having initially spoken of the difficulty of his players getting over the defeat to Johnathan McKinstry’s side, McCarthy was proud of the resounding win.

“Pleased for the players who got onto the scoresheet, but overall, how we played - very professional,” he said, terming the result as a good way for the players to depart and go back to their clubs and reflect.

“When we regroup in October, we have something positive to build on,” he added.