McCarthy singles youngster for praise after outstanding performance in new role
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 04.08.25. | 07:28
The 19-year-old displayed composure in the position despite being a left-sided center back
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has praised the performance of defender Manzur Okwaro, following his impressive shift in Kenya’s 1-0 victory over DR Congo in the opening game of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) on Sunday, 3 August.
Naturally a left-sided center back, Okwaro was deployed as a defensive midfielder against the Leopards at a sell-out Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, a role McCarthy believes the 19-year-old played to near perfection.
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Speaking after a historic win - his second with Harambee Stars since his appointment in March- McCarthy said the idea of playing Okwaro in the middle of the park crept up after his side’s friendlies a few weeks ago.
“I initially considered playing him at left-back based on what I saw in our friendlies,” McCarthy said.
“But after analysing his attributes, I felt he was a perfect fit in midfield. He is young, energetic, and brave - just what we needed to disrupt DR Congo’s plan. He was no doubt one of our best players today.”
A prominent feature of Kenya’s U20 team, Okwaro was handed his maiden call-up to the senior national team by McCarthy and played his first minutes for Harambee Stars against Gabon in March this year.
On Sunday, the KCB man went one better in starting for the side, with his link-up play alongside man-of-the-match Alpha Onyango and goal-scorer Austine Odhiambo, setting Kenya up for a deserved victory against the two-time CHAN champions.
Speaking on how his midfielders operated throughout the game, McCarthy said: “Alpha is very comfortable on the ball and can play clean, progressive passes.
Austine is creative and scores. Having Manzur do the dirty work behind them was key.”
The grit in the former Rainbow man was exemplified by his tireless running, and even after going down with a foot problem, he jumped back right to action, before running his course in the 64th minute.
“He did one hell of a job protecting our back four, and that is exactly what we needed.”
Kenya, after their win, will now shift focus on their next opponents, Angola, whom they meet on Thursday, 7 August at 1900 EAT.
