Kenya played Gabon in Group F's Fifa World Cup qualifier staged at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
The Harambee Stars needed a win to keep alive their slim hopes of qualifying for the prestigious global competition. However, a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a late strike by Michael Olunga saw the hosts lose the game 2-1.
However, there were many positives despite the disappointing loss. So, what did we learn from the Sunday fixture?
Benni is not afraid of making critical changes
Gabon were expected to present an even tougher challenge than The Gambia, who drew 3-3 with the Harambee Stars. It was interesting to see who would be given a chance by the 47-year-old Bafana Bafana legend.
Despite his experience, Stellenbosch defender Brian Mandela is seemingly running out of pace. Johnstone Omurwa was brought in with wingers Mohamed Bajaber and William Lenkupae also getting a starting berth after impressing against Gambia. Bold moves from Benni.
Under Benni, Stars are set to rise
In the two games Kenya have played under Benni, the team was not afraid to attack when they had chances. They pushed hard and created chances, only that the likes of Captain Michael Olunga couldn't capitalise on them.
However, with the new style of play and format, it is obvious the fans should expect Kenya to deliver in the future. Harambee Stars are surely set to rise owing to what has been displayed by the players.
Chances for youngsters coming
When was the last time Kenya gave a teenager his debut? Maybe it goes back to the early 2000s when legend Dennis Oliech was given his chance by the then coach Jacob Ghost Mulee and he delivered by taking Kenya to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Bajaber and Lenkupae are some of the new faces that have already been given a chance by the former Manchester United strikers' coach. However, the biggest of them all was handing Manzur Okwaro his debut. The defender turned 19 on the material day.
Fans love Benni
Since his appointment as the Harambee Stars coach, Benni has received tremendous support from the fans. They have already loved his style and commitment to helping the East African nation rise.
Even after the loss, they surrounded him to take selfies and crack jokes with him. The least the former Porto striker can do is to repay their faith with positive results consistently.
Football passion is there for all to see
The game was scheduled to start at 15.00 hours SAT, and usually, the majority of fans flock in with about 40 or so minutes to the game. However, things have seemingly changed as seen last weekend.
The Nyayo National Stadium was filled to the brim two hours before the game. There were more than 45,000 fans who turned up to cheer the team, and after Olunga scored, they cheered the team to the final whistle.
