Zero pressure for McCarthy and his Harambee Stars marshals

Benni McCarthy (far left) enjoys a light moment with Harambee Stars players. [Harambee Stars, X]

Harambee Stars have zero pressure as the countdown to the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) continues.

Benni McCarthy named his final 25 men set to take on two-time champions Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia and Angola in the highly analyzed Group of Death from August 3 at the renovated Moi Sports Center Kasarani.

Whilst many Kenyans bashed both the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Harambee Stars technical bench for forfeiting the ongoing CECAFA Nations tournament in Tanzania despite arriving in Karatu, McCarthy insists Kenya was ready like yesterday.

"Tanzania was just a misfortune. We went there with good intentions, but unfortunately for football, it wasn't. According to our standards, it was unsatisfactory, and we took precautions to protect the squad and avoid unnecessary injuries with less than seven days to CHAN kick off.

"We are in a Group of Death, and we wanted to be ready physically. Seven days in Tanzania in unfavorable conditions was a death sentence to ourselves. It was a difficult moment, but I commend the unity in our decision-making as a whole team.

"I'd rather spend two months back in Kenya than struggle away from home. This team is ready, Kenyans. Even if CHAN begins today, I know they are ready, and we are going to show you that," said McCarthy.

The former Bafana Bafana striker added that Masud Juma is instrumental to his plans, stating that his experience will be key in Kenya's CHAN campaign.

For players like Alphonce Omija and Austin Odhiambo, the unity in the camp is stronger, and they are waiting for DR Congo.

"We are professional, and Tanzania needed to treat us like they treat other teams. We are all professional footballers despite the fact that we play in Kenya, and professionalism is a must. We are approaching CHAN with heads held high despite the past week debacle," said Omija.