Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy on the touchline during the win against DR Congo PHOTO FKFHarambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy will approach their second Group A clash against Angola cautiously, with three points and a second-round spot at stake.
McCarthy has asked his players to stay focused and avoid being carried away by the frenzy around the Sh1 million from President William Ruto handed to each player after their historic 1-0 victory over DR Congo in their opening Group A clash on Sunday.
The 1-0 victory at Kasarani Stadium, followed by Angola's 2-0 loss to table-toppers Morocco on August 3, 2025, at Nyayo Stadium, makes it a difficult match for both sides, and McCarthy believes they have to be at their best to get a win against the Palancas Negras.
The Angolans, who are ranked at position 85 in the latest FIFA World Rankings, compared to Kenya, who are at 109th, start as favourites and must avoid a loss to maintain their second-round chances.
A win for the Stars will not only earn them another Sh1 million from President William Ruto but also inch them closer to the second round.
"With the first game and the victory to our credit, the team can now relax before embarking on the hard work and prepare well for our next encounter. Despite that, I am sure the boys will be ready to deliver the best performance Kenyans deserve," said McCarthy.
The South African tactician will be sweating on Mansur Okwaro’s fitness after the young defender was substituted in their opening clash against Congo on Sunday.
McCarthy may also be forced to juggle his lineup and try a new frontline after Masoud Juma, Ryan Ogam, and David Sakwa failed to live up to expectations.
Shabana marksman Brian Michira, youngster Austin Odongo, Posta Rangers’ man Felix Oluoch, and Sofapaka’s Edward Omondi will be hoping to get the nod.
The defence and midfield may remain unchanged, while goalkeeper Bryne Omondi is also likely to maintain his position between the sticks, as McCarthy seeks to maintain momentum and also ride on the home fans' advantage, with the match tickets already sold out.
The Angolans, on the other hand, come into the game knowing too well that anything short of a win will reduce their second-round chances.
Head coach Pedro Gonçalves confirmed they have a clean bill of health and will be ready to battle Kenya, but they expect a difficult game.
"We know that we are in a difficult group, with two former champions involved, but we are ready despite falling to Morocco. We know Kenya will not be an easy game; despite being debutants, their home advantage makes them dangerous opponents, but we are motivated and ready to battle," said the Portuguese tactician.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy will approach their second Group A clash against Angola cautiously, with three points and a second-round spot at stake.
McCarthy has asked his players to stay focused and avoid being carried away by the frenzy around the Sh1 million from President William Ruto handed to each player after their historic 1-0 victory over DR Congo in their opening Group A clash on Sunday.
The 1-0 victory at Kasarani Stadium, followed by Angola's 2-0 loss to table-toppers Morocco on August 3, 2025, at Nyayo Stadium, makes it a difficult match for both sides, and McCarthy believes they have to be at their best to get a win against the Palancas Negras.
The Angolans, who are ranked at position 85 in the latest FIFA World Rankings, compared to Kenya, who are at 109th, start as favourites and must avoid a loss to maintain their second-round chances.
A win for the Stars will not only earn them another Sh1 million from President William Ruto but also inch them closer to the second round.
"With the first game and the victory to our credit, the team can now relax before embarking on the hard work and prepare well for our next encounter. Despite that, I am sure the boys will be ready to deliver the best performance Kenyans deserve," said McCarthy.
The South African tactician will be sweating on Mansur Okwaro’s fitness after the young defender was substituted in their opening clash against Congo on Sunday.
McCarthy may also be forced to juggle his lineup and try a new frontline after Masoud Juma, Ryan Ogam, and David Sakwa failed to live up to expectations.
Shabana marksman Brian Michira, youngster Austin Odongo, Posta Rangers’ man Felix Oluoch, and Sofapaka’s Edward Omondi will be hoping to get the nod.
The defence and midfield may remain unchanged, while goalkeeper Bryne Omondi is also likely to maintain his position between the sticks, as McCarthy seeks to maintain momentum and also ride on the home fans' advantage with the match tickets already sold out.
The Angolans, on the other hand, come into the game knowing too well that anything short of a win will reduce their second-round chances.
Head coach Pedro Gonçalves confirmed they have a clean bill of health and will be ready to battle Kenya, but they expect a difficult game.
"We know that we are in a difficult group, with two former champions involved, but we are ready despite falling to Morocco. We know Kenya will not be an easy game; despite being debutants, their home advantage makes them dangerous opponents, but we are motivated and ready to battle," said the Portuguese tactician.
