Harambee Stars: Benni McCarthy Explains Manzur Okwaro’s Defensive Midfield Role in CHAN 2024 Opener

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has explained the tactical decision he chose to deploy Kenya U20 defender Manzur Suleiman Okwaro in defensive midfield during their opening 1-0 win over DR Congo in the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) on home soil.

Okwaro, who normally plays as a left back or center back both at club level and junior international level, was deployed as a makeshift defensive midfielder - cum half back - role, and never looked out of place.

In possession, he provided a passion option for Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino while playing out from the back, spraying short, simple passes, and off the ball, provided presence, using his speed and athleticism to cut passing lanes, something that left McCarthy amazed.

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Speaking to the media after the match, McCarthy responded to a question by Pulse Sports over his decision which turned out to be a masterstroke.

“I initially considered playing him at left-back based on what I saw in our friendlies,” McCarthy revealed. 

“But after analysing his attributes, I felt he was a perfect fit in midfield. He’s young, energetic, and brave — just what we needed to disrupt DR Congo’s game plan. He was one of our best players today, no doubt.”

McCarthy explained that he first noticed Okwaro’s potential during training sessions with the Kenya U20 side.

“I was the one who selected Manzur after seeing him train with the U-20 national team. I thought he had a lot of potential — physically strong, very good technically. He was playing as a center-back, and initially, I wanted to use him at left-back.”

However, behind-closed-doors friendly matches against Kariobangi Select, Kenya Police and training revealed a different possibility.

“He’s got an enormous engine, and for today’s game, I felt that was critical. DR Congo’s game plan was to play into their big No. 9, who would link up with their attacking midfielders. I needed someone quick, strong, and smart to cut that supply.”

“So I asked him to play just in front of the back four, to screen, intercept, and disrupt. And he did exactly that. He’s only 20, but plays with such fearlessness — that’s the kind of bravery we needed.”

Despite his effectiveness in midfield, McCarthy made it clear that Okwaro’s long-term role remains in defense.

“This was just a tactical switch. For me, Manzur is still a left-back. But for today, in this system, he was phenomenal. For a player who’s never featured in central midfield before, he was one of our best on the pitch. I’m very happy for him.”

The presence of Okwaro in midfield also allowed Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo to shine in more advanced roles. Onyango, who was named Man of the Match, controlled the tempo, while Odhiambo provided the match-winning goal.

“Alpha is so comfortable on the ball and can play clean, progressive passes. Austin is creative and can score. But for them to operate that freely, you need someone to do the dirty work behind them — and Manzur did one hell of a job protecting the back four.”

“With Manzur sitting deep, Austin and Alpha could almost play like two number 10s. That meant their two holding midfielders were always occupied, giving us an edge in possession. It disrupted DR Congo’s rhythm, and it worked.”

McCarthy also highlighted how Okwaro effectively neutralized DR Congo’s key attacking link — their No. 10 combining with the target man.

“He shut that down. They weren’t able to be fluid in the way they wanted to play because of how well we set up.”

Kenya now prepares for its second Group A match against Angola on Thursday, August 7, under the Kasarani floodlights — a historic occasion, and another test of McCarthy’s tactical ingenuity.

But if Manzur Okwaro’s midfield debut is anything to go by, the Harambee Stars have more tools in the toolbox than many anticipated.