Kenya coach Benni McCarthy has lauded his players’ effort despite suffering an elimination in the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
The Harambee Stars’ impressive run came to a halt after losing on penalty shootouts against Madagascar on Friday.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, McCarthy praised his players after reaching the knockout stage in their debut campaign.
“Nothing but proud of what we achieved. The players gave everything every single day in training and every match,” McCarthy told CAFOnline.com.
“It was really good, but football is like that, the lottery of penalties sometimes doesn’t go your way.
“It is a bit tough to go out this way. We expected a tough game, but didn’t expect them to be this way. Their movement off the ball was great. I want to congratulate Madagascar for their passage to the semis.
“If you come to Kenya and can perform at such a stage with the fans and the noise, they deserve huge credit for having nerves of steel, especially in the penalty shootout,” he added.
Meanwhile, the semifinal games will see Sudan clash with Madagascar at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam, while Senegal face Morocco at the Mandela National Stadium, Kampala, all on Tuesday, August 26.
The winners will advance to the final on Saturday, 30 August.
