CHAN: McCarthy explains decision to hand Manzur Suleiman different role against DR Congo

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy has come out to explain why he deployed centre-back Manzur Suleiman as a defensive midfielder during their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 1-0 victory against DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Harambee Stars needed a 45th minute goal courtesy of midfielder Austin Odhiambo to silence the two-time CHAN champions and register their first ever victory in the tournament’s history.

However, during the game, the South African legend deployed some tactician approach with Suleiaman, who is a central defender, taking the defensive midfield role against the Leopards.

“I initially considered playing him at left-back based on what I saw in our friendlies,” McCarthy explained. “But after analysing his attributes, I felt he was a perfect fit in midfield. He’s young, energetic, and brave—just what we needed to disrupt DR Congo’s game plan. He was one of our best players today, no doubt.”

Suleiman’s presence gave Kenya defensive solidity and freed up creative midfielders like Alpha Onyango and Austine Odhiambo to operate further forward. “Alpha is very comfortable on the ball and can play clean, progressive passes. Austine is creative and can score. Having Manzur do the dirty work behind them was key,” said McCarthy. “He did one hell of a job protecting our back four—that’s exactly what we needed.”

On Odhiambo’s winning goal, McCarthy said: “That was the perfect time to score—just when they thought we’d head in level.”

Kenya will now shift focus to their second Group A fixture against Angola, who suffered a 2-0 defeat against Morocco, on Thursday at Kasarani Stadium.