By: Mpho Sekharume

A brilliant display of tactical acumen by South African coach Benni McCarthy saw Kenya's Harambee Stars secure a historic 1-0 victory against two-time champions Morocco in a thrilling African Nations Championship (CHAN) match.

The win, which puts Kenya in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages, was a masterclass in coaching by McCarthy, who took the helm of the Kenyan national team earlier this year.

McCarthy definitely proved his credentials on the international stage by applying a relentless, aggressive approach that unsettled the Moroccans. The crucial moment of the game came just before halftime when Ryan Ogam found the back of the net, giving Kenya a lead they would not relinquish up until the end of this nailbiting continental duel.

However, the true test of McCarthy's genius came after a first-half red card left Kenya with only ten men for the entire second half.

Instead of wilting under Morocco's unrelenting pressure, McCarthy's side displayed remarkable discipline and resilience. He quickly reshuffled his team, bringing on extra defenders to clearly "park the bus" -  a blatant defensive tactic reminiscent of his playing days under José Mourinho at Portugal outfit FC Porto.

The defense indeed held firm and every Kenyan player fought for every ball. Harambee Stars’ gritty determination ultimately frustrated the Moroccan attack.

This monumental win not only elevates Kenya on the continental stage, but also serves as a powerful testament to the growing coaching capacity of South African tacticians abroad.

McCarthy's success in the international fray, following his impressive stints at AmaZulu and Cape Town City, demonstrates that coaches from the region can deliver results at the highest level. Kenya will now face Zambia next Sunday at 19:00 in their next CHAN tournament.