World Cup (Q): McCarthy credits Kenya for tactical discipline after hammering Seychelles

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy believes tactical discipline helped his team to secure a commanding 5-0 victory against Seychelles in their FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday.

Austria-bound Ryan Ogam set the tone with a sharp finish, before centre-back Collins Sichenje doubled the lead from a set piece. Ogam struck again to make it 3-0 before captain Michael Olunga converted from the penalty spot after Ogam was brought down inside the area for a 4-0 lead at the half-time break.

In the second period, Olunga headed in the fifth goal to cap a dominant display for Kenya, who eventually, recorded their biggest win of the campaign.

“To score four goals in the first half, was a wonderful thing, and we managed it because of our tactician discipline, and hunger to score. I’m pleased for the players who got on the scoresheet,” the South African legend told reporters after the game.

“But overall, the way we played was very professional. We didn’t take it for granted, even knowing this team maybe isn’t as strong or as competitive as Gambia. We gave them the respect they deserve, and in football it turns to your advantage.”

He added: “We also worked quite a bit on set pieces before the game, because we knew Seychelles don’t have tall players to defend such balls, so if we put the balls in the right areas, we could get some joy of goals — but we had to be ruthless in front of goal to succeed.”

The victory lifted Kenya to nine points from eight matches. They remained fifth in Group F, 11 points behind leaders Ivory Coast.

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