How Manzur Okwaro’s Unorthodox Midfield Role Helped Harambee Stars Beat DR Congo in CHAN 2024 Opener

When Benni McCarthy named his starting XI for Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 opener against DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium last Sunday, a few decisions stood out—and not for the usual reasons.

First, Ryan Ogam was deployed on the right wing. This raised eyebrows since he’s been playing as a center forward for Tusker, having originally signed as a central midfielder.

Then came the biggest surprise: Manzur Okwaro, usually a center back or left back for KCB and the Kenya U20 national team, was named as a defensive midfielder.

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Many expected a back-three setup with two strikers and wingbacks Daniel Sakari and Abud Omar. 

But once the lineup was announced, it was clear Kenya were going with a 4-3-3—on paper, at least—with Okwaro sitting at the base of midfield. Ahead of him were Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo in the number eight roles.

So how did Okwaro fare in such unfamiliar territory?

Surprisingly well. For someone not typically stationed in midfield, he showed great awareness and discipline. He often dropped into the backline during build-up play, creating passing lanes for Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija.

This movement effectively shifted Kenya into a 3–4–3 shape in possession, allowing fullbacks Sakari and Omar to tuck inside. That opened up the flanks for wingers David Sakwa and Ogam to stretch the pitch and support Masoud Juma through the middle.

Meanwhile, Alpha Onyango took on the responsibility of dropping deeper to help link play, using his composure and vision to find progressive passes.

Out of possession, McCarthy’s side morphed into a 4-4-2. Odhiambo pushed up to join Juma in the front line, while Okwaro partnered Onyango in a compact midfield block. The aim was clear: force DR Congo wide and neutralize their central threats.

This worked reasonably well, but there were problems—especially on Kenya’s right. Sakari found himself in frequent 1v1 duels against DR Congo’s Ibrahim Matobo, who caused all sorts of trouble. It wasn't until Ogam began tracking back more diligently that the situation stabilised.

Despite that rocky patch, Okwaro looked comfortable in the role. He kept things simple, read the game well, and put in a disciplined shift—until he was forced off in the 65th minute with what appeared to be a muscle injury.

In the 65 minutes he played, Okwaro delivered a tidy, efficient performance:

• 24/25 completed passes (96%)
  
  

• 1 successful long ball
  
  

• 4/5 ground duels won
  
  

• 2/5 aerial duels won
  
  

• 3 clearances, 2 blocked shots
  
  

• 1 tackle, 1 interception
  
  

He was eventually replaced by Marvin Nabwire of Kenya Police.

After the match, coach Benni McCarthy explained his thinking behind the tactical surprise:

“We needed that. We’ve got a lot of luxury players—excellent on the ball—but when it comes to defending, some forget that side of the game. I figured Manzur was very versatile.”

McCarthy was quick to dismiss the idea that Okwaro is just a defender:

“Everyone says he’s a centre back. I think he’s an incredible left back. But I also think he’s an outstanding number eight, number six, holding midfielder. So, I took a gamble—and lucky for me and the team, it paid off.”

He praised Okwaro's fearlessness and willingness to step up, despite the unfamiliar role:

“When you have a player who’s young, fearless, and just wants to play—wherever you put him, he’ll give his best. And that’s what he did. He made them change the way they wanted to play.”

“DR Congo wanted to play through their big No. 9 and link with their attacking midfielders. I needed someone quick, strong, and smart to cut that supply. Manzur did exactly that.”

“He’s only 20, but plays with such fearlessness—and that’s the kind of bravery we needed today.”

Still, McCarthy was clear about Okwaro’s future:

“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.”

With Kenya now preparing to face Angola on Thursday, the big question is whether Okwaro will be fit enough to start again. If so, does McCarthy stick with this makeshift yet effective midfield setup—or bring in a natural option like Chris Erambo or Marvine Nabwire?