CHAN: Kenya coach, McCarthy credits Mourinho after using his tactics against Morocco

Kenya coach, Benni McCarthy has given credit to Fernabahce manager Jose Mourinho after using his tactics against Morocco during both sides’ African Nations Championship, CHAN, Group A tie on Sunday.

Kenya, making their debut at CHAN, defeated two-time champions Morocco 1-0 and played half of the match a man short.

Ryan Ogam gave Kenya the lead in the 42 minutes, but the match turned on its head a few minutes later after midfielder Chrispine Erambo was initially booked for a challenge on Anas El Mahraoui, only for VAR to intervene and upgrade the punishment to a straight red.

Kenya had to defend their lead for the entire second half with 10 men against Morocco.

Speaking to the media after the game, McCarthy, who played under Mourinho during their time at FC Porto, also described the Portuguese as the master of game management.

“I played under a certain manager — José Mourinho — the master of such game management,” McCarthy said at the post match press conference.

“To play with 10 players is hell, but we used to do it as if it was routine. I learned the trade from him: where to tighten, who to sacrifice.

“It’s not always neat for the fans, but you cling on to your lead at any cost,” he explained.

“Defenders may be required to do midfielders’ or strikers’ work. That’s what I learned from José — when you lose a player, you send off a striker, keep one workhorse up front, and the others ‘park the bus’… or in our case, park a train and a bus in front!”

CHAN: Kenya coach, McCarthy credits Mourinho after using his tactics against Morocco