Harambee Stars player ratings against Mali

Harambee Stars have failed to capitalize on home advantage to avenge the first leg 5-0 drubbing suffered in the hands of Mali in Agadir last week on Thursday as they fell 1-0 to Ibrahima Kona's second half strike at Nyayo Stadium. 

Coach Engin Firat made changes to the squad that lost in Morocco but despite dominating the game and creating clear cut chances especially in the first half, it is Mali who had the last laugh.

The defeat means that Kenyan players will be reduced to spectators in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Here is how Mozzart Sport rated the players who were on duty. 

Brian Bwire-4

Made his senior team debut at long last but there was little he could have done to stop Kone from kissing his net. His ball distribution skills were a joy to watch 

Eric Ouma-5

Deployed at right back, a role he has been playing at his club. He made it tough for Southampton winger Moussa Djenepo and generally bossed the right flank in the first half. He was redeployed to the left side of the pitch in the second half in a bid to poke holes in the Mali defence but could not sneak in a decent cross. 

Joseph Okumu-4

The Belgium based defender worked overtime to keep first leg hero Ibrahima Kone at bay. He read the game well and combined with Omurwa at the heart of the defence although most of his long passes lacked accuracy. 

Johnstone Omurwa-4

Despite being the only local based defender in the backline, the Wazito man picked from where he left in the first leg. He didn't give Adam a Traore the breathing space but would have closed in on Kone to deny him the opener. 

Abud Omar-3

He was tasked to take most of the setpieces but his delivery and the crosses he chipped in were wanting to say the least. He stepped up in the second half and managed to make inroads in the Mali's area. 

Richard Odada-6

Made a crucial interception in the dying minutes of the first half after the ball had bounced back to the field of play from the woodwork to deny the opponents an easy chance to tap the ball in an empty net. The Serbian based midfielder once again called the shots the midfield and always thought of driving the ball forward. 

Kenneth Muguna-4

The Azam man took almost the entire first half to settle into the game. The double pivot role didn't help unleash his creativity as he provided cover to the defence. He improved in the second half but still couldn't get the much sought defence splitting pass. 

Duke Abuya-3

He was the first player to test the Malian goalkeeper Bosso Ibrahim after Michael Olunga had squared the ball to his path but his shot in the tenth minute of the game was palmed for a corner kick.Failed to feed Olunga and ended up being rested in the second half. 

Boniface Muchiri-3

Would have given Kenya the lead and grabbed his first goal in Stars colours in the 22nd minute after Olunga put him through. The Tusker winger will be disappointed that his baby shot did not scare Ibrahim who was equal to the task. Gave Hamari Traore a difficult afternoon courtesy of his runs and dribbling skills. He was substituted in the second half. 

Abdalla Hassan-2

The Bandari winger would have done better in his first half final touches. Made electric runs on the left wing but was let down by his last touches which all missed the mark. He paid heavily for the missed opportunities as he was redeployed as a wingback in the second half. 

Michael Olunga-4 

Created two clear cut chances in the first half. Once again, the Al Duhail forward was starved of scoring chances and resorted to create. He nearly grabbed the equalizer early in the second half but his low drive swayed off the target. 

Eric Kapaito-1Came in for Abuya in the 72nd minute. His presence didn't inspire Stars to restore parity. 

Henry Meja-1The former Tusker rookie replaced Muchiri in the 77th minute.