McCarthy on why he deployed a defender in midfield during Harambee Stars win over DR Congo
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 04.08.25. | 21:03
More surprise came when the players stepped onto the pitch, as the KCB FC defender was deployed as a defensive midfielder, a role he is not accustomed to
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed why he opted to deploy Manzur Okwaro, who is traditionally a defender in midfield, during Kenya's win over DR Congo.
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Austin Odhiambo's goal in the second minute of first half added time was all that Kenya needed in order to record a win in the match.
When Kenya's starting eleven against DR Congo in the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) was named, a majority of stakeholders were surprised by the inclusion of the 19-year-old defender cum midfielder.
More surprise came when the players stepped onto the pitch, as the KCB FC defender was deployed as a defensive midfielder, a role he is not accustomed to.
Speaking to the press after the match, McCarthy explained the thought process behind playing Manzur in midfield.
“Their (DR Congo) plan was to play into the big centre forward, (Jephte Kitambala), and then he gets the play moving for them.
I knew if we had a player with speed, physicality and good anticipation to play in front of him and screen the back four, we would force them to change the way they wanted to play and play in a manner that suits us,” said McCarthy.
The former Manchester United forwards' coach went ahead to reveal why Okwaro was the man he chose for the job.
“I thought Manzur is the best in that position because he is young, he is athletic, and he is 20 years old. He is scared of nothing. He was playing as a centre back, and I initially wanted to play him as a centre back.
However, during these training sessions and the friendlies that we had behind closed doors, he's got an enormous engine and I thought he would be great in this game,” he added.
Despite the impressive show in midfield, McCarthy, who has been an admirer of Manzur since he took charge, does not intend to use him in that position frequently.
"You want a player with that kind of bravery, and so that was tactical because for me, he is a left back and that is where I want him to play,” he added.
