PLAYER RATINGS: Entire backline shines as Harambee Stars beats Qatar

Harambee Stars, against all odds, beat Qatar 2-1 in a highly entertaining match played at the Al- Janoub Stadium on Thursday evening.

In a match that had high tempo from the onset, it is the Harambee Stars backline that shone brightest for me with Daniel Anyembe, Johnstone Omurwa, Joseph Okumu and Erick "Marcelo" Ouma all puting in a decent shift.

Here are the Harambee Stars Player Ratings.

Bryne Odhiambo (Goalkeeper) - 6/10

Kenya has a new number one no doubt. The KCB FC custodian appeared composed and in control of his area. He rarely put a foot wrong, his time and ball distribution a sight to behold.

Daniel Anyembe (rightback) - 7/10

The Denmark-based defender had a near-perfect outing at rightback with his timely interceptions and link up play. It will be difficult to dislodge him from that position going forward.

Johnstone Omurwa (centerback) - 6/10

The boy from Amalemba, now based at Portuguese top-tier side Estrela de Amadora, has massively improved and his partnership with Joseph Okumu was rock solid. His passing and positioning was key in this particular win.

Joseph Okumu (centerback) - 7/10

The Stede de Reims defender had yet another decent outing in the national team colors. His passing has always been good and he demonstrated this against Qatar. His defending and reading of the game was pivotal. And ofcourse scoring Kenya's opening goal in the match was an immense contribution.

Erick "Marcelo" Ouma (leftback) - 7/10

His only wrong footing was the foul that lead to Qatar's penalty and only goal but the Sweden-based left-back was arguably the Man of the Match. With his signature tireless runs on the left flank, resolute defending and long crosses into the opponents box, the former Gor Mahia man put in a pretty decent shift.

Richard Odada - 6.5 /10 (DM)

Richard Odada's talent has never been in doubt. I dare say he has filled in the gap left by respected former captain Victor Wanyama. He had a good first half but kinda struggled in the second half. He however had some moments of brilliance but he surely can do better. I say this as I believe he is one of the most naturally talented players in the national team set up at the moment.

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Anthony Akumu - (DM) - 6.5 /10

For a player that hasn't been playing regularly at Sagan Tosu in Japan, Akumu did not show any signs of lacking match fitness. He partnered really well in the block defensive role with Odada and was instrumental in taking the ball forward, an aspect of the game many have said he needs to improve on.

Kenneth Muguna - (Attacking Midfielder5/10 (Attacking Midfielder)

He might have provided the assist to Okumu's opening goal via his cornerkick but Muguna was underwhelming in this match. He has also been struggling to regain his form after leaving Azam for Kenya Police FC and will perhaps pick up as the season progresses.

Masoud Juma - Forward - 4/10

A beast of a striker on a normal day, Masoud seemed to struggle far out wide and was largely silent during the game perhaps due to Engin Firat opting to go out with a 4-3-3 formation with Olunga as the main striker and Masoud and Elvis Rupia, who are natural strikers, supporting from the flanks.

Elvis Rupia - Forward - 4/10

The new Singida forward also struggled as he was not the pointman, a position he thrived in at Police FC last season.

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Michael Olunga - Main Striker - 7/10

Provided the assist to the winning goal and was truly the leader of the pack. He also defended resolutely and generally had a good game despite not being on the scoresheet.

SUBS

Amos Nondi - 6

Came in for Masoud and was impressive in carrying the ball forward. Scored the winning goal too.

Ayub Timbe - 5

The China-based winger came in for Elvis Rupia after the breather and did well in pressing Qatar from the front. He did not have enough time to show his qualities upon his return to the national team but was instrumental in the winning goal.

It will be unfair to rate Brian Mandela and Duke Abuya as they came in very late into the game.