PLAYER RATINGS: Omondi’s goalkeeping heroics power Harambee Stars to stunning win over Morocco
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Reading Time: 1min | Sun. 10.08.25. | 18:42
Mozzart Sport followed every kick, with goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo leading the charge in a standout performance
Harambee Stars pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) history, stunning Morocco 1-0 at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.
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Ryan Ogam struck in the 40th minute, reacting quickest to Ben Stanley’s deflected effort to beat Moroccan goalkeeper Elmehdi Al Harrar for the slim win.
Kenya’s task became even tougher when Crispine Erambo saw red for a reckless challenge in first-half stoppage time, but that never dampened their spirits as the hosts dug deep, producing a disciplined and defiant defensive display to gather all points.
The result sends Stars top of Group A with seven points from three games, putting them on the brink of the quarter-finals, and in line to become just the third debutants to reach the knockout stage.
Mozzart Sport followed every action, and here are the player ratings.
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Bryne OdhiamboGoalkeeper
He was named man of the match for a reason. The Bandari’s shot-stopper came ready for the big occasion, keeping Kenya in the game throughout.
He produced a crucial stop to deny Raja Athletic Club winger El Kaabi Youness after the Moroccan had broken through, and made four saves in total, two from inside the box.
Odhiambo’s ball distribution was equally impressive, launching attacks with precision and setting the team into an attacking shape.
A commanding performance and a strong follow-up statement after his heroics against Angola.
Rating
8
Lewis BandiMidfield
A great outing for the AFC Leopards captain. Bandi was rock-solid on his flank, keeping Ayoub Mouloua quiet.
He was sharp in blocking shots, and just before the break, threw his body in front of a goal-bound strike from Anass El Mahraoui to keep Kenya in the game.
The youngster registered two interceptions and won one of the two ground duels he contested.
Going forward, his impact was limited after Kenya were reduced to ten men, but defensively, it was a strong shift from the Leopard.
Rating
7
Michael KibwageDefense
Part of McCarthy’s surprise six changes, Kibwage was a pillar in Kenya’s backline, using his experience to anchor the defence.
The Tusker assistant skipper made three crucial clearances to keep Stars on course for the quarter-finals.
His long passes and pinpoint distribution repeatedly picked out Boniface Muchiri and Ryan Ogam, sparking transitions from defence to attack.
Although he surrendered possession three times, Kibwage won all his aerial duels and maintained stability at the back, even after Kenya were reduced to ten men.
Rating
7
Siraj Mohammed Defense
In his first start, Siraj impressed, keeping Atlas Lions captain Mohammed Hrimat quiet throughout.
The Bandari defender covered his flank tirelessly, tracking between the lines to both initiate attacks and provide defensive cover.
He registered two blocks and one interception in his 77 minutes before making way for Aboud Omar.
Rating
7
Sylvester OwinoDefense
Owino, as always, rose to the occasion, throwing himself into every tackle and duel, making life difficult for Imad Riahi and Ayoub Mouloua.
The defender combined well with Kibwage, making five clearances and one interception to keep the backline steady.
However, his progressive play was curtailed after the red card, forcing him to focus more on defensive duties.
Yet another solid display on the left side of the central defence by the Gor Mahia man.
Rating
8
Chris EramboMidfield
He brought the physical edge Kenya needed in midfield, dictating the tempo from his position during his 45 minutes on the pitch.
Unfortunately, his promising night was cut short by a red card, denying fans the big second half they had anticipated from him.
Rating
4
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Manzur OkwaroDefense
Another big stage, another big performance from the 19-year-old.
Okwaro covered every blade of grass, driving runs from the back to the final third that proved vital in Kenya’s link-up play.
Fearless in tight situations, he often used his long-ball distribution to get the team out of trouble.
He won six of his eight ground duels, made three clearances, and added three tackles, a complete all-round display to keep Kenya in the game.
Rating
8
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Edward OndimoAttack
Had to make way for a more defensive option after the red card.
He had a strong first half, delivering the key pass that sparked Ben Stanley’s run before Ogam’s finish for Kenya’s opener.
Defensively, he was competitive, winning four of seven ground duels and making three successful tackles before his withdrawal.
Rating
5
Bonface MuchiriAttack
Muchiri was a constant threat in the final third, unsettling the Atlas Lions’ defence with his runs and precise deliveries.
He whipped in six crosses, one nearly setting up Ogam for Kenya’s second goal.
His pinpoint passing helped spark several attacks, while his defensive work rate stood out, tracking back to win five of seven duels before making way in the 64th minute.
Won fouls in dangerous areas and pressed hard when out of possession.
Rating
6
Benstanley OmondiMidfield
Showed improvement and confidence compared to previous outings.
The Migori Youth forward was more direct in his runs, threading the key pass that led to Kenya’s opener.
His final delivery still needs polish, as his two attempted crosses were cut out by Moroccan defenders.
After the red card, he dropped deeper to help defensively, winning one of the four duels he contested.
Rating
5
Ryan OgamAttack
Produced a moment of magic with a deft turn and cool finish past two defenders to hand Kenya the lead, a strike that sealed maximum points in the end.
Ogam registered the most shots on target for Kenya (2), linked play intelligently, and used his long balls to spark attacks.
It will not be surprising to see him cement the striking role in the remainder of the tournament.
Rating
7
Daniel SakariDefense
An impressive 14-minute cameo from the Kenya Police defender, who nearly doubled Kenya’s lead.
Sakari was influential on both ends of the pitch, making two successful clearances, a tackle, and an interception.
He also won both ground duels he contested and registered a shot on target.
Rating
7
Aboud OmarDefense
Not much action for the Team Kenya captain, but his entry instantly stabilized the back line and restored discipline in the team.
He made three clearances and a block to lead his side into the quarter-finals.
Rating
5
David SakwaAttack
Came on for Ogam but appeared lost up front, mainly due to limited service.
He often dropped deeper to help out defensively
Rating
5
Alphonce OmijaDefense
Omija slotted in seamlessly after replacing the injured Muchiri, shoring up Kenya’s defence with authority.
In just 27 minutes, he made six crucial clearances to keep the Atlas Lions out of the final third and won all three duels ,both on the ground and in the air.
Rating
6
Alpha Onyango Midfield
Had less action but proved strong in defense.
Won possession and tried a couple of long passes
Rating
5
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