The Kenya national football team Harambee Stars beat Namibia’s Brave Warriors 2-1 in Johannesburg on Tuesday night to find themselves top of group J of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
This will put a smile on the faces of many Kenyans, who had expressed frustration at the side’s underwhelming draw against Zimbabwe in the opening match that took place last Friday at Uganda’s Nelson Mandela stadium in Namboole, Uganda.
Here are our ratings on how the side performed:
Byrne Omondi -6
Bryne Omondi looked solid in goal throughout with his natural composure and did well to deny Namibia some goal scoring opportunities.
However, he could have done better with the last minute freekick he conceded to Deon Kavendji just before the final whistle. A solid performance nonetheless
Amos Nondi -7
Stepping in for Alphonce Omija and Daniel Anyembe, Nondi did his defensive job right, keeping Prins Tjiueza at bay down that left flank. He also complimented Rooney Onyango decently whenever the opportunity arose to bomb forward.
Joseph Okumu -8
Joseph Okumu was arguably the best defender on the night. He did well marshaling and organizing the defense as captain, guiding Sylvester Owino well.
He made some timely interceptions and kept the troublesome Peter Shaulile at bay.
Sylvester Owino -7
A mature defensive performance from Sylvester Owino, who did well to also man Shaulile, although the quality of his passing on certain situations would have been better.
Erick Otieno -8
Ouma shone on the night. Did his defensive job right and his pace was a constant threat down the left. Provided an excuisite assist for the second goal by Duke Abuya on the night.
Teddy Akumu -7
Teddy Akumu provided presence down the middle of the park and after he got booked for a cynical challenge in the first half, did well to stay calm and watch his step.
Richard Odada — 7
Odada had one of his finest perfiormance in a national team shirt for a while. The quality of his line breaking passing was solid, and he also bombed forward whenever the opportunity arose.
Ronny Onyango -5
Onyango had a relatively underwhelming performance by his standards. Had to focus more on his defensive work particularly in the first half, and was lucky to escape without a second yellow card. Had a decent if unspectacular performance though.
Duke Abuya — 8
Duke Abuya’s off-the-ball movement was a thorn in the Namibian flesh, and the goal he scored was textbook example and reward for his hard work all night.
John Avire -8
John Avire netted an excellent freekick goal to open the scoring, and it got Kenya to play with more freedom for the rest of the match. Held the ball up well as a center forward and when he moved left, constantly threatened down the flank with his pace and aggression.
Jonah Ayunga — 6
Jonah Ayunga was handed his first start for the national team and produced a classic number nine position. His hold up play could be refined more though.
Kenneth Muguna -6
Kenneth Muguna did well to help Kenya retain possession when he came on for Rooney Onyango in the 60th minute
Abud Omar -N/A
Came on but did not have enough time to influence the outcome of the match.
Victor Omune -N/A
Came on but did not have enough time to influence the outcome of the match.