Benni McCarthy credits Jose Mourinho lessons for Kenya's historic win over Morocco

They beat Morocco in their CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group A clash at a packed Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Playing their third CHAN match in front of a sold-out home crowd, Kenya stunned the two-time champions despite being reduced to 10 men for the entire second half.

Ryam Ogam struck in the 42nd minute, but moments later, Chrispine Erambo - making his first tournament start - was sent off following a VAR review that upgraded his initial yellow card to a straight red for a foul on Anas El Mahraoui.

From then on, it was a masterclass in defensive discipline. Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi produced a string of outstanding saves to preserve the lead and was deservedly named man of the match. The victory ended Morocco's 14-match unbeaten CHAN run and left Kenya in control of Group A.

Remarkably, this was the second time McCarthy's side had played with 10 men at this year's tournament. Against Angola, Marvin Nabwire was dismissed shortly after Austin Odhiambo equalised from the penalty spot.

McCarthy, who won the 2003-04 UEFA Champions League with Porto and claimed the Portuguese Primeira Liga Golden Boot under Mourinho, said the win was rooted in lessons he learned two decades ago.

"I'm not sure if you remember, I played under a certain coach - Jose Mourinho - who was the master of that," McCarthy told reporters as quoted by Flash Score.

"As a player in a team that plays with 10 men, I'm telling you, it is hell. But we used to manage it perfectly, like it was our everyday thing. I learned the tricks from him - who to sacrifice, how to adjust. It's not going to be pretty for the fans because they want attacking football, but when you're in the lead, you protect it at all costs."

The result moves Kenya to the brink of a first-ever CHAN quarter-final, while Morocco must now win against Zambia and DR Congo to keep their hopes alive.