CHAN: Why DR Congo coach is not happy with Kenya’s MccCarthy ahead of CHAN opener

DR Congo head coach Otis N’Goma has taken issues with Kenya’s counterpart Benni McCarthy for allegedly ‘spying’ on his team while training ahead of their 2024 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

The two teams will face off in the Group A opener following the successful start to the tournament in Tanzania where hosts Taifa Stars edged out Burkina Faso 2-0 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Friday.

“Kenya sent spies to scout our training and preparations and that is not fair,” Ngoma told the press ahead of the game. “We used to meet with Benni in London and I know him. We watched some games and know how they [Kenya] like to play so we will try to win the game.”

He added: “We came here to compete. Kenya is a big nation, they are at home but we do not feel pressure. At a high level, you do not feel pressure. We have experience and with two titles so we will approach the match with respect because we are looking for a third star.”

On what DR Congo wants to achieve, he said: “We have had a few weeks to prepare and we know we have not had enough time but we are professionals. We will go step by step because we want to reach the final. The last edition was not the best but we have to be prepared mentally even if physically we are not at our best.”

Having managed seven appearances in CHAN (2009, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022, 2024), the Leopards will be keen to make a flying start.