Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has credited Jose Mourinho's tactical approach for his side’s vital 1-0 win over Morocco in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) match.
The Harambee Stars ended Morocco's unbeaten run with a disciplined performance at the Moi International Sports Centre on Sunday.
READ | Benni's Kenya shock Morocco at CHAN
Despite playing the entire second half with ten men after midfielder Chrispine Erambo was shown a red card during first half stoppage time, the South African coach's side held firm.
The former Manchester United first-team striker coach played under Mourinho during their UEFA Champions League-winning spell at FC Porto.
McCarthy has now revealed that he turned to lessons learned from the Portuguese tactician to manage the game and eventually beat Morocco after the red card.
"I am not sure if you remember, I played under a certain coach, Jose Mourinho was the master of that," McCarthy told reporters after the game, as per Flashscore.com.
"As a player playing in a team that plays with 10 men, I am telling you, it is hell. It is hell, but we used to manage it perfectly like it was our everyday thing.
"You know, like we were a team that played with 10 men instead of 11. So I’ve learned the trades and the tricks of working with Mourinho, where you adjust, and who do you sacrifice," he explained.
"And unfortunately, it’s not going to be pretty for the fans because they want to see attacking football. But then you think about what is most important to protect your goals. If you are in the lead, you protect at all costs.
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"Sometimes defenders have to play midfield jobs or striker jobs, and that was the art that I have learned playing under Jose."
Thanks to the win, Kenya now sits at the top of Group A with a win and a draw. They will next face Zambia on Sunday as they look to continue their strong start in the tournament.
Photo Cred: Harambee Stars
