Harambee Stars left back Clarke Oduor had a memorable debut with his new Grimsby Town side as the fourth-tier outfit stunned English giants Manchester United to progress to the third round of the English Football League (EFL) Cup.
Having just been signed on Tuesday from Bradford City, the Kenyan international was handed his debut against United in the second round EFL Cup tie.
The Kenyan international was introduced in the 73rd minute with his side holding a two-goal advantage against the English giants thanks to goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren who had scored inside the opening thirty minutes.
However, they failed to hold onto their advantage as Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire struck to force the game into penalties.
Oduor almost cost his team a chance in the next round as his penalty was saved but his goalkeeper Christy Pym spared his blushes when he saved Matheus Cunha’s effort at 4-4 to restore parity and hand Grimsby a lifeline.
Grimsby never faltered again as they slotted in all their penalties before Mbeumo missed his kick to see the fourth-tier outfit record a 12-11 shootout victory.
Clarke Oduor joins Grimsby Town
Oduor, who made his Harambee Stars debut in October 2020 as a substitute in a 2-1 friendly win over Zambia, joined Grimsby from Bradford City.
“We are happy to announce the signing of versatile midfielder Clarke Oduor on a season long loan from Bradford City. Oduor signed for Bradford City back in 2023 and arrives at Blundell Park on the back of winning promotion from Sky Bet League Two on the final day.
The Kenyan began his career at Leeds United, progressing to the first team, signing his first professional deal with the club in 2017 and at 19, made his professional debut against QPR in the third round of the FA Cup.
He spent further years with the Yorkshire club, before joining up with Barnsley at the end of the 2018/19 season.
His one goal during his time at Oakwell was a vital one – netting in the 91st minute of the final game of the 2019/20 season against Brentford to secure survival in the Sky Bet Championship, going on to make 47 Championship appearances over a three-year spell.
Oduor spent time on loan with Hartlepool United for the 2022/23 season before joining Bradford City in 2023.
The Kenyan, who has made one appearance for his nation, now joins up with David Artell’s squad for the 2025/26 Sky Bet League Two campaign,” Grimsby announced.