Tactical Analysis: Inside Benni McCarthy’s midfield tactical identity ahead of CHAN 2024
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Reading Time: 7min | Fri. 25.07.25. | 18:38
The tactician named fewer midfielders in his final 25-man squad for the tournament that kicks off on 2 August
With the clock ticking close to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Mozzart Sport examines the different tactical formations Harambee Stars will employ in a bid to make it out of Group A.
In this piece, we try to read coach Benni McCarthy's mind and how crucial his midfield set up will be in the interest of winning matches in the 'pool of death'
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Will the lack of a traditional defensive midfielder in the team affect his formation? Did he call up fewer midfielders?
How best will he use the available ones? How will he handle the midfield battle in the matches considering that all of our opponents are ranked higher?
The tactical plan
McCarthy’s early tactical blueprint for Kenya is centered around fluidity, positional intelligence, and purposeful possession.
His side adopts a modern, possession-based style with dynamic shape-shifting between phases-building patiently from the back and exploiting spaces with intelligent off-ball movements.
Kenya primarily sets up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but the structure is highly flexible.
In possession, it transforms into a 4-2-4 at times, allowing for fluid attacking rotations, where wide players and forwards frequently interchange positions to drag defenders and overload central areas.
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This tactical unpredictability is a key part of the team’s offensive identity, often pulling opposition structures apart and creating space in advanced areas.
A defining principle is progressive buildup play from the defensive line through midfield, using vertical and horizontal passing combinations and rotational movements in tight spaces.
Wingers are encouraged to drop deep in the first phase of build-up to create numerical superiority and open passing lanes, while midfielders are tasked with orchestrating the tempo and advancing play into threatening zones.
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In attack, McCarthy’s team exploits half-spaces and diagonal runs, often initiated by strikers dropping deep to link play, then bursting forward to finish moves.
The attack is driven by a mix of structured combinations and spontaneous interchanges, reflecting a strong emphasis on positional awareness and tactical discipline.
Out of possession, Kenya shifts into a compact 4-4-2 defensive shape, pressing selectively and aiming to control central zones.
The team shows an ability to manage tempo in the games played already, adjusting to maintain shape and defend territorial space when needed.
However, there are areas still under development particularly in defensive transitions and responding to opponent tactical adjustments.
Kenya struggles slightly when teams tighten their shape and press higher, exposing a need for better in-game compactness and adaptive in-possession control under pressure.
There is a clear tactical evolution under McCarthy: a system built on modern principles such as structured buildup, attacking rotations, vertical progression, and a disciplined off-ball shape.
Stars’ identity under the new coach is emerging as one of intelligent, high-tempo football, with a focus on tactical versatility and cohesive team play.
Midfield metronomes of McCarthy’s blueprint
Alpha Onyango, Gor Mahia’s central midfielder, steps into CHAN 2025 as Kenya’s deep-lying playmaker and anchorman blending composure, vision, and controlled aggression.
Alpha excels at breaking opposition lines with sharp passing and intelligent movement, while also shutting down passing lanes with keen positional awareness.
He si not just a shield for the defense; he is a springboard for attack too, carrying the ball confidently, picking out runners, and even testing goalkeepers with long-range shots.
His intelligent aggression allows him to dictate tempo without losing control, and his natural leadership on the pitch lifts the performance of those around him.
In a tournament that values tactical discipline and transition play, Alpha’s ability to anchor possession, disrupt opponents, and spark creativity makes him a vital cog in Harambee Stars’ midfield engine.
Marvin Nabwire brings an exciting midfield dimension to the Stars setup after earning a deserved late call-up.
A technically sound central midfielder, Nabwire excels in short-passing combinations, boasting an 82% completion rate per 90 minutes last season.
His ability to break lines with precise passing, combined with confident ball-carrying and dribbling under pressure, adds rhythm and forward thrust to the team’s play.
At Kenya Police FC, he contributed consistently in creating chances and driving play from deep positions.
With 23 attempts on goal during the season, he also demonstrates attacking intent, making him a complete central option capable of influencing multiple phases of the game.
Nabwire’s inclusion reflects both form and function, a timely asset in McCarthy’s possession-based system.
A standout in the FKF Premier League, Austin Odhiambo has firmly established himself as Kenya’s premier midfield creator, blending technical excellence with vision and confidence.
Fresh off a brilliant 2024/25 season with Gor Mahia, where he scored 11 goals, Odhiambo is much more than just that-he’s the heartbeat of attacking play.
Known for his flair, sharp passing, and a remarkable passing range, he consistently breaks lines and finds attacking runners in stride.
His quality from set-pieces adds another dimension to Kenya’s threat in dead-ball situations, while his ability to play between the lines makes him difficult to mark.
Whether orchestrating tempo from deep or linking with forwards in tight spaces, his technical skill and spatial awareness make him a natural playmaker and a vital asset for the team heading into CHAN 2025.
Midfield Roles: Functionality, fluidity, and strategy
Anchor in build-up and control
In hindsight, their primary role(s) is first to provide a link between defense and midfield, frequently dropping between or beside centre backs to aid circulation.
In McCarthy’s setup, the CDM (e.g. Alpha Onyango) offers a secure passing option and dictates tempo early in the build-up phase.
Positioned just ahead of the back four, the midfielder provides horizontal coverage, ensuring recycling of possession, switching flanks, or offering a reset under pressure.
In defensive transitions, the midfield is tasked with delaying counterattacks, with the CDM specifically shielding the backline by blocking central lanes and recovering loose balls.
Their ability to read second balls and intercept passes is critical when Kenya loses possession.
Alpha Onyango’s Shot Distribution Map (24/25 KPL for Gor Mahia): A consistent long-range threat with a high volume of attempts from outside the box, showcasing his confidence and ability to strike cleanly from distance. A valuable outlet in unlocking deep blocks and shifting momentum in tight contests.
CMs – Connectors and tempo shifters
The central midfielders operate as press-resistant outlets, often rotating to receive the ball in pockets between lines.
They play vertically to progress quickly from midfield into the attacking third.
Odhiambo Austine, who acts more like an advanced 8, receives in tight spaces and drives forward with the ball linking directly with attackers and creates from zone 14 (just outside the box).
The presence of a hybrid 8 who supports both phases, dropping deep to create overloads in the second phase, but also breaking lines with late runs or diagonal switches.
Offensively, they are responsible for dictating tempo, choosing when to slow the play or launch direct vertical attacks.
Their movements and passing opens channels for wingers and forwards.
AM Function (via CMs and interchanging Forwards)
While there is not a traditional number 10, the AM role is fluid.
Often, one CM pushes high, or a more flexible forward drops deep, creating an interchangeable No.10 space between the lines.
This role is responsible for occupying the half-spaces, dragging defensive midfielders, and releasing wingers or fullbacks with line-breaking passes.
Midfield interactions and collective behavior
McCarthy’s system builds triangular structures around the ball. e.g., CB-CDM-CM or CM-Winger-Fullback, to ensure safe ball progression and supportive passing options.
Midfielders are spaced to occupy key progression zones with the pivot (zone 6), interior lanes (zones 8/10), and the half-spaces-allowing the ball to travel through central areas with purpose.
When one midfielder advances, the others hold position to balance risk, ensuring defensive cover and passing continuity(Synchronicity).
Defensive transition responsibilities
The CDM acts as the primary ball winner and positional stopper during turnover moments. Required to make tactical fouls, plug gaps, and stop opposition counters incorporating intelligent aggressiveness.
Central midfielders are tasked with back-pressing, recovering second balls, and quickly re-engaging central duels. They often shift into two holding roles in a 4-4-2 defensive shape during sustained pressure.
Forwards are instructed to drop and form a compact mid-block when out of possession, ensuring the team doesn’t get stretched.
General team identity and tactical principles
Players rotate constantly, ensuring central overloads and positional superiority especially through midfield and the inside channels.
Play begins from the back, using fullbacks and CDM as primary outlets to safely advance the ball, favoring clean, deliberate progression for a structured build-up.
In the final third phases, the structure stretches, with wingers and strikers rotating positions to unsettle defenses, while CMs join attacks selectively to form a fluid attacking shape.
The team strikes quickly when winning possession, often progressing vertically through two or three key passes. This speed is supported by off-ball runs from forwards and overlapping fullbacks.
Shifting into a more conservative 4-4-2 block when defending, looking to maintain compactness, protecting central areas, and forcing play wide promoting a controlled defensive phase for the team.
Final take
Kenya enters CHAN 2025 with a squad that blends experience and promise.
Under coach McCarthy, the team has embraced a culture of character, discipline, and mental resilience-qualities that could prove to be the X-factor in a challenging Group A featuring DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia.
Triumph will depend on McCarthy’s tactical adaptability, his preference for specific player profiles, and his ability to respond to the nature of opponents and evolving match situations. The right selection at the right moment will be key.
If the Harambee Stars bring intensity, structure, and a touch of flair, CHAN 2025 could become more than just a tournament-it might be the stage that launches Kenya’s next era of football reckoners.
