But after the match, the Harambee Stars saw it as more than a win. It was a statement: that Kenya can stand tall with Africa's best, that patience and perseverance bear fruit, and that even against a lion, the star can shine the brightest.
"If you remember, I played under a certain coach, Jose Mourinho, who was a master of the art of defending.
Playing with 10 men is hard, but Mourinho managed it perfectly, like it was an everyday thing. If you are in the lead, you protect it at all costs," said McCarthy.