Harambee Stars
PLAYER RATINGS: Duke Abuya, Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma dazzle for Harambee Stars against Namibia
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Reading Time: 1min | Tue. 10.09.24. | 22:28
John Avire and Duke Abuya scored Kenya's goals to see them take control of Group J
Harambee Stars got their maiden victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after seeing out Namibia 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium in South Africa on Tuesday night.
Here at Mozzart Sport, we take a look at how the individual players fared in the contest.
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Bryne OdhiamboGoalkeeper
Perhaps the only stain in his impressive performance was the sight of him standing rooted to the ground as Deon Hotto's freekick flew past him and into the net.
Before that, he was partly the reason Kenya was winning the game with ease, having kept out two decent Namibian opportunities from going in. His save from Petrus Megameno's close-range shot was a thing of beauty. Me says Kenya One!
Rating
7
Amos NondiDefense
Steady as ever at right back, Nondi held his own against Namibian skipper Peter Shalulile, and even threw himself in the way of two ferocious shots from Deon Hotto in the first half.
Namibia still found some way to make inroads through his side, but a strong outing for the Ararat Armenia man.
Rating
6
Joseph OkumuDefense
Captaining Kenya for the second game, Okumu was at his best yet again against Namibia, expertly leading the defense and as seen later in the game, part of the buildup to Abuya's goal.
The Reims man only put a foot wrong when he was caught out by Megameno, but Bryne Omondi threw a right arm to save his blushes.
He later on cleared a Namibia corner to the path of Eric Ouma and the rest is history.
Rating
7
Sylvester OwinoDefense
Hard to realize he was only playing his second senior match for Kenya. His composure in defense was a thing to marvel at, and found a way to bail out his midfielders and partner given his energetic bursts literally everywhere.
He remained clean, and in a way said: I am here!
Rating
7
Erick OumaDefense
Arguably Kenya's best player on the night. Was doubtful to even feature against Namibia following his knock against Zimbabwe, but put on another clinic at left-back.
Whether it was in handling Deon Hotto or bombing forward to get an assist for Duke Abuya's goal, his performance was above every other's, and what a timely return for him! A nation's delight.
Rating
9
Anthony AkumuMidfield
Another strong showing for Akumu in defensive midfield. Did get himself in early trouble when he caught out Megameno after 35 minutes for a yellow card, but operated so well afterwards, offering the shield that had Kenya on their way to a near clean-sheet.
Rating
6
Richard OdadaMidfield
Was a bit leggy and off-color in the first half as he in instances gave away the ball under pressure, and found it difficult to connect with his teammates upfront.
Comfortable showing in the second half. Maybe the lack of game time at Dundee United gave him away, but just a tad.
Rating
5
Rooney OnyangoDefense
Still operating in an advanced right-wing position, Onyango had a few opportunities thanks to his immense press, but just lacked a final ball to tee up his teammates.
Nowhere close to what we know he can offer, and was the first man to be hooked by Engin Firat after 59 minutes.
Rating
5
Duke AbuyaMidfield
Cannot put a foot wrong for the national team.
After coming off the bench to score in his return to the team against Burundi in June, Abuya was once again on the score sheet here, as he followed up Eric Ouma's run to tap in past Kazapua.
That goal was a reward for his work on the left, where he tracked back and created a chance for Avire in the first half. Need we say he was the one fouled in the buildup to Avire's strike?
Another on the road.
Rating
8
John AvireAttack
Another man enjoying his time at Harambee Stars.
After a few chances - his first half header and a fluffed rebound attempt just after the break - Avire finally found one to go in and what a goal it was.
With Abuya having been hacked just outside the box, Avire, with the confidence of a man who was named to start in this game, cooly struck his shot over the wall and past Kazapua for the opener.
What a way to get your second national team goal.
Rating
8
Jonah AyungaAttack
Leading the line on his full debut, Ayunga looked a bit slow, heavy with the ball, and made it light work for defenders, especially in the first half, to catch him out.
Lasted 88 minutes and left us with much to look out for in him when given another chance.
Rating
5
Kenneth MugunaMidfield
Was not involved for long to give a fair rating.
Rating
-
Aboud OmarDefense
Came on with 12 minutes left on the clock, a day after his 32nd birthday. Not much time to give a fair ranking.
Rating
-
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Victor OmuneMidfield
Thrown in with five minutes left. Gave away the freekick that led to Deon Hotto's goal but not enough time to hand out a fair ranking.
Rating
-
