In the just concluded back to back friendly games between Kenya and Chad, one of the takeaways from the match was the faith Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy had on Alpha Chris Onyango.With the African Nations Championship (CHAN) starting in less than two months, did McCarthy just find his main man in midfield?Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsSince his appointment on Monday 3 March, McCarthy has proven to have the confidence of giving chances to players who might not have been regular members of the team initially.In his first match against Gabon, McCarthy introduced Kenya Police’s Mohammed Bajaber and Australia-based William Lenkupae, and both substitutes found the back of the net.Chaos in Camp: Are Harambee Starlets being set up for failure?Three days later, the duo started against Gabon in a match played at a fully packed Nyayo Stadium and gave a good account of themselves. In his post match press conference, the former Manchester United coach said that he will not care about past glory or information from others but will field players according to how he has watched them play for clubs and in national team training.Mozzart Sport explores why Gor Mahia star Alpha Onyango might be McCarthy’s preferred main man in Kenya’s midfield.1. One of the two to start both matchesWith the travelling squad composed of 24 players, McCarthy tried to give playing chances to all the players.For the players who started the first match on Saturday 7 June, only Onyango and Lenkupae were picked to also start on Tuesday 10 June.##NAJAVA_MECA_8976424##This decision shows the confidence the coach has in both players and their importance to his team.While Lenkupae’s inclusion into the squad that was largely meant for local-based players was attributed to a continuation of his integration into the team and McCarthy’s system, Onyango’s role can be attributed to his importance in the coach’s team set up.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Harambee Stars’ fluid strategy that troubled Chad2. Captained the teamThe armband is one of the most prestigious items in football. It’s not everyday, or everybody, that gets to captain their team.Captains are more often than not, key players in a team, trusted by the coach, and with leadership skills that the team relies on, on and off the pitch.Onyango was tasked with captaining the team in their second friendly, despite the presence of more senior or regular members of the team like Faruk Shikhalo and Sylvester Owino.In fact, the starting eleven even included Austin Odhiambo, one of Onyango’s captains at club level, and AFC Leopards assistant captain Lewis Bandi, but McCarthy settled for the soft-spoken midfielder.3. Key midfield roleFor both friendlies, Onyango had a big role in how Kenya was playing or intended to play.In the first match, he started in midfield alongside Kenya Police’s Brian Musa and while Musa was given the freedom to join attack, Onyango was tasked with the pivot role in the middle of the park.The former Gor Youth player seemed to be the man tasked with dictating the tempo for Kenya and switching balls from one side of the pitch to the other.Even when the midfield formation changed in the second match, Onyango continued with this important role, this time alongside familiar faces in Odhiambo and Ben Stanley Omondi.When Onyango was subbed off in the second half of the second match, Kenya started to struggle in midfield, a testament to his key role in McCarthy’s midfield.Gor Mahia midfielder thrilled to rejoin Harambee Stars after year in cold4. Key player for Gor MahiaIn the past three seasons, Onyango has established himself as a key player for Gor Mahia but that has been more evident this season when the team has been struggling.In a season that has had few positives for K’Ogalo, Onyango is definitely among the few. Gor Mahia are undoubtedly a better team when he is playing.Gor Mahia star reveals how he will utilize Ksh 100K Mozzart Bet Cup awardK’Ogalo’s midfield is more stable with Onyango on the pitch, with the 21-time champions often struggling in his absence.Additionally, the Makongeni-born and bred player has scored some important and crucial goals for the Kenyan giants, whether from the bench or when he had started matches.Onyango recently produced a man of the match performance when he helped Gor Mahia overcome Murang’a Seal in the Mozzart Bet Cup semi finals and for his troubles, won himself a Ksh100,000 humanitarian cheque courtesy of leading gaming firm Mozzart Bet.Harambee Stars prospect scores for Denmark in UEFA Euro U21 ChampionshipIt is such great performances for K’Ogalo that impressed coach McCarthy and his second assistant Antony Kimani who have been attending some of the local matches.In conclusion, while McCarthy has not yet established a preferred line up for Chan, he has shown signs of preferring to use Onyango as a key man in the continental tourney.
