Why McCarthy could bank on 20-year-old Manzur in his engine room against Angola

Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy speaks on his midfield selection against DR Congo match in CHAN 2024 opener in Nairobi, on August 6, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard] Kenya's much-celebrated 1-0 against victory DR Congo in the 2024 African Nations Championship on Sunday did more than just secure three precious points. The pledge by President William Ruto was honoured, with players, technical and coaching staff receiving a Sh42 million windfall. With tickets for today's match against Angola already sold out, and Sunday's mega-clash against Morocco also sold-out, Harambee Stars have a new type of pressure, fan expectation. The entire squad could be in luck and double their money, should they beat a wounded Sable Antelopes side, which is still reeling in pain after a sour 2-0 loss to Morocco at the Nyayo Stadium in their first game on Sunday. Coach Benni McCarthy was proud of his team's performance against DR Congo, but also stressed the fact that they were quite inexperienced, and most players were making their debuts in a high-level competition. The former Bafana Bafana striker started with a 4-4-2 formation in the first game, opting for the Gor Mahia duo of Alpha Onyango and Austine Odhiambo in centre midfield. Onyango delivered a near-perfect performance to earn the Man of the Match Award, while Austine scored the winning goal late in the first half. McCarthy deployed young KCB full-back Manzur Suleiman Okwaro on the left side of midfield, while Tusker forward Ryan Ogam was assigned to the right. It was the performance of these four that arguably earned Harambee Stars their win, considering the number of second balls they won against a side that was much more physical. While the Gor Mahia duo got most of the plaudits, Manzur received special recognition from the coach. In his post-match presser, the South African tactician was elaborate about why he picked the Bankers' man in his starting XI. "He is physically very good. I initially wanted to play him at left back, but in the training sessions behind closed doors, I realised that the player has an enormous engine. DR Congo's game plan was to play it to the big number 9, who would get the play moving for them. "So if we are able to have a player with speed, physicality and good anticipation in front of the defence just to screen, then we make them change the way they want to play. That's why I think Manzur was the best player for that position. He's young, athletic, 20 years old and scared of nothing," said McCarthy. Manzur was crucial to McCarthy's game plan, as he needed fresh legs to do the donkey work for Onyango and Austine, who were needed to create most of the team's chances. Tasked with shielding the back four, he allowed Onyango and Austine freedom to push higher up the field and create more chances. "We wanted control in midfield. Alpha is very comfortable on the ball, has a variety of passes, can go long, find players, and play short. When he gets higher up the pitch, he's got a good shot on him to test the goalkeeper. Austine is very creative and can score goals. "So I felt that if we had young, fresh legs to work and get Alpha and Austine on the ball, we could feed the front three. With good movement in the front and wide areas, we were able to get in behind, and that was the main goal. So Manzur had to sit just in front of the back four, with Alpha and Austine acting as two 10's," he said. "It worked. Manzur did a hell of a job preventing their number 10 link-up with the big striker. We disrupted their play and set up very well for that," he concluded. Having featured for Kenya's U20 team, the Rising Stars, Manzur got his first call-up to the senior national team against Gabon in March this year. In 2023, he trialled with Nantes B. He had unsuccessful trials last year with Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna and joined Kenya Premier League side KCB in July after being unattached. Kenya plays Angola today at 7pm, with Manzur more than likely to retain his role, anchoring midfield.

Why McCarthy could bank on 20-year-old Manzur in his engine room against Angola

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