Harambee Stars forward Clarke Oduor enjoyed a debut to remember as his new club Grimsby Town pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the Carabao Cup by eliminating Manchester United.
The English League Two side produced a performance that will be spoken about for years after stunning the Red Devils in front of their own fans. Grimsby took a commanding 2-0 lead and despite United’s late fightback, the underdogs held their nerve to triumph in the penalty shootout.
Oduor, who only signed for Grimsby Town days earlier, was named on the bench for the historic clash. He made his debut in the 73rd minute, coming on for George McEachran at a moment when his side were still holding a two-goal advantage. The Harambee Stars international did not shy away from the challenge, immediately showing composure and work rate as Grimsby battled to contain United’s pressure.
United eventually clawed their way back into the match through Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire, who scored late goals to level the scoreline at 2-2 and force the game into a tense penalty shootout. Oduor stepped up to take one of the spot kicks but unfortunately missed. However, his teammates did enough to carry Grimsby through, sealing a famous victory that dumped United out of the competition.
The forward’s arrival at Blundell Park marks a fresh chapter in his career. He joined the Mariners on a season-long deal from Bradford City, where he helped the club earn promotion to League One last season. His versatility, ability to play in attacking and midfield roles, and experience at a higher level are expected to be valuable assets for Grimsby as they aim to push for success in League Two this campaign.
At 26, Oduor has already built an impressive football journey. A product of the Leeds United academy, he spent four years at Barnsley, including three seasons in the Championship, before moving to Bradford. He has also earned two senior caps for Kenya and remains an important figure for the Harambee Stars as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.
While his penalty miss on debut might have been disappointing, the night will still go down as unforgettable for Oduor and his new club. Helping Grimsby Town eliminate Manchester United is the perfect way to introduce himself to his teammates and fans, and it could well be the spark that defines his season.
