CHAN 2024: Mansur Okwaro and other young players who impressed in the group stage
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Reading Time: 5min | Thu. 21.08.25. | 15:54
CAF’s technical expert and South African legend Mark Fish has named Ogam, 20, as the most impressive player of the tournament so far
Many players impressed in the group stage of the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), but eight youngsters stood out.
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The 2024 CHAN saw a total of 19 teams compete for the coveted title and was divided into four groups, with group matches taking place from Saturday, 2 August to Tuesday, 19 August.
Despite their young age, some players stood out for their respective teams in the group stage, and Mozzart Sport takes a look at them in this article.
Manzur Okwaro (19) - Kenya
As early as it is, Kenya's Manzur Okwaro is definitely one of the success stories and highlights of the 2024 CHAN.
At only 19, Okwaro has been impressive for his country, exhibiting impeccable maturity and tactical awareness on and off the pitch.
Primarily a defender, Okwaro was used in midfield by coach Benni McCarthy in the first match against DR Congo to screen the defense and support it from the direct balls directed to Jephte Kitambala.
Okwaro not only did the job exemplary well but also contributed to midfield possession, anchoring it with style and allowing Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo to move further upfront.
The KCB FC defender retained his place in the subsequent two matches and was pivotal as Kenya picked four points from two matches where they were reduced to 10 men in the first half.
Okwaro has already attracted interest from several clubs, both within and outside the continent.
Ibrahim Matobo (19) - DR Congo
Just like Okwaro, Ibrahim Matobo is 19 and equally announced his arrival in his first match of the tournament.
Straight from an exemplary performance in the domestic league in DR Congo, the winger picked up from where he left off in the first match against Kenya and tormented the host's backline from the first whistle.
Matobo dribbled past Daniel Sakari several times and earned him a yellow card for a late tackle, forcing Alphonce Omija to step out of central defense and provide cover.
The story was the same in DR Congo's remaining three group matches as the FC Aigles RDC man became one of the most fouled players in the group stage.
However, Matobo will not be able to continue with the tournament following the elimination of DRC, but leaves with one goal: the opener in their 2-0 win over Zambia.
Clement Mzize (21) - Tanzania
21-year-old Young Africans (Yanga) FC forward Clement Mzize is also one of the youngsters who were impressive in the CHAN group stage.
Despite his young age, Mzize was trusted with leading the line for Tanzania, a role that was not new to him, having done so severally for Yanga.
Mzize can hold the ball and link play, is athletic with good runs, as well as strong with both his feet, making him an ideal choice for a coach.
For his troubles, he scored a brace in Taifa Stars' 2-1 win over Madagascar.
Alphonce Omija (22) - Kenya
One of Kenya's greatest strengths is their ability to defend, or rather keep clean sheets.
Harambee Stars conceded only one goal in the group stage despite receiving red cards in two games, both in the first half.
One of the constant figures in that backline is 22-year-old Gor Mahia center back Alphonce Omija.
From the first match of the tournament, Omija has not shied away from stating that his intention in the tournament is to find greener pastures, preferably in Europe.
Omija had already attracted interest from other clubs with reports linking him to a Tunisian side and two other clubs in Europe.
Malibongwe Khoza (21) - South Africa
Another youngster who impressed is 21-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza, who was deployed in midfield for South Africa.
Despite his team exiting the tournament, Khoza impressed many observers with how he anchored the midfield, his energy off the ball, and his general influence in the game.
Rogers Torach (22) - Uganda
The Vipers FC defender was a constant figure in Uganda's defense and helped his side to qualify for the last eight as group leaders.
Torach has played every minute of the tournament so far and, in an act of maturity and responsibility, stepped up under pressure in the 96th minute to score the penalty that equalized scores against South Africa and took Uganda to the quarters.
Musa ‘Kante’ Hussein(18) - Sudan
Sudan's Musa Hussein, popularly known as Kante, is one of the youngest players in the ongoing biennial continental tourney
At only 18 years of age, Huseein had proven his worth amongst some of the best defenders in the tournament and helped Sudan to book a place in the last eight as group leaders.
On a personal note, Hussien has one goal and one assist in the tournament so far and will be keen to add to his tally when Sudan face Algeria in the quarter final slated for Saturday, 23 August at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Ryan Ogam (20) Kenya
The list could not end without the mention of Kenya's Ryan Wesley Rabok Ogam. Ogam's story has been that of rise and rise.
Just two seasons ago, the 20-year-old was playing in Kenya's third tier for Rainbow FC as a defensive midfielder. He then transitioned to a striker for a season and was signed by Kenyan giants Tusker FC.
In his first season in the top flight, he scored 15 goals in 17 league matches before suffering a lengthy injury, but fortunately recovered just in time for CHAN.
Ogam clearly struggled for form in the first match but has been the hero in Kenya's last two matches, scoring in the historic 1-0 win over Morocco and sealing the top spot with another clinical finish against Zambia.
CAF’s technical expert and South African legend Mark Fish named Ogam as the most impressive player of the tournament so far.
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