Manzur Okwaro Reacts After Tough Outing Against Amad Diallo, Nicolas Pepe and Co

Harambee Stars utility man Manzur Okwaro has opened up about the tough match Kenya played against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Harambee Stars were handed harsh lessons by the African champions in their final 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan as the home side won 3-0 in a dominant performance that would have seen them secure a bigger margin of victory.

Kenya were outclassed in every department by the star-studded Ivorian team with Manchester United star Amad Diallo, former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe starring on the wings, while the likes of Ibrahim Sangare, Franck Kessie and youngster Yan Diomande were among the others who were outstanding.

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Okwaro was one of the Kenyan players who faced the toughest test as he was deployed to stop dangermen Diallo and Pepe but struggled against the quality of the fleetfooted wingers.

Reacting to the game, Okwaro seems to agree that he was handed a good football lesson but took it in stride as part of his development as he continues to grow from strength to strength.

“Mission with the national team complete. Plenty of insights acquired — the experience of representing the nation is always special. Eyes now on club goal,” Okwaro posted on Instagram, shifting focus to club commitments as his Nairobi United look forward to a tough CAF Confederation Cup match against Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel.

Okwaro was deployed in a defensive midfield role by coach Benni McCarthy but unlike in previous matches, when he had commanding displays, he found the going tough against a top quality opponent.