Kenya 0-0 Uganda; Richard Odada shines in players ratings

Harambee Stars and Uganda Cranes kicked off their 2022 World Cup qualification campaign by playing to a barren draw in a tedious match played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday 2 September.

Serbia-based midfielder Richard Odada was clearly a cut above the rest in his senior National team debut for Harambee Stars with netizens deservedly heaping praise on the former AFC Leopards midfielder who has been touted to replace long-serving captain Victor Wanyama who by all indications is being phased out.

Here's my impression of the players' performance.

Harambee Stars

Ian Otieno - 5

Didn't have much to do but looked decent on the few occasions that he was called into action.

Daniel Sakari - 5

He looked solid defensively throughout the game. He however offered very little going forward.

Joseph Okumu - 6

He was largely untested but did well to naturalise the few attacks from Uganda Cranes.

Eugene Asike - 6

He formed an untested central defence pairing with Joseph Okumu and they did well to deal with the threat the few instances that they were tested.

Eric Ouma - 5

He didn't look as solid as Milton Karisa caused problems down the right flank. Didn't offer much in attack either and his few crosses were easily dealt with by Uganda defenders.

Richard Odada - 7

Despite being his debut, he didn't seem fazed. He won tackles and screened the back four wall. His passing was equally decent and he must be proud of his performance on his senior national team debut.

Lawrence Juma - 3

He was largely off colour, a shelf of the player who impressed for Sofapaka all season and was taken off after 30 minutes.

Kenneth Muguna - 5

He showed glimpses of his quality in the game. Good ball recovery and executing attacks. His passing was equally good. He went off for Abuya in the later stages of the first half.

Masud Juma - 6

Provided a good cross early on that Abdallah Hassan should have at the very least hit the target. Created another second half chance that Olunga should have converted. He looked Kenya's biggest attacking outlet but his crosses were not utilized.

Abdalla Hassan - 4

Should have done better with two first half chances. He first miskicked a Masud cross before shooting off target from another glorious chance. Didn’t look like the player who has been so impressive for the National team in recent matches.

Michael Olunga - 4

He was a marked man throughout the game. Had one long range shot in the first half that didn't hit the target. He missed a great opportunity from Masud Juma Cross in the second half. Had one attempt in goal all game.

Subs

Eric Johana - 3

He replaced the ineffective Lawrence Juma after 30 minutes. He was largely off colour before being taken off for Jackson Macharia.

Boniface Muchiri - N/A

He replaced Abdallah Hassan late on. Didn't do much in the minutes he was on the pitch.

Duke Abuya - N/A

Came on for Kenneth Muguna but wasn't as effective as the player he came on for.

Jackson Macharia - N/A

Was a late introduction for Johana and also didnt do much worth mentioning or rating.

Uganda Cranes

Lukwago Charles - 5

Didn't have much to do as Kenyan didn't cause the backline much problems.

Dennis Iguma - 5

He was solid defensively but didn't show any attacking threat down the right.

Joseph Ochaya - 4

The TP Mazembe man barely created anything despite playing in an advanced position. Was taken off in the 70th minute.

Murushid Juuko - 6

He kept an eye on Olunga for the entire game. Neutralised the threat posed by the Kenya captain.

Halid Lwaliwa - N/A

Was forced off with an injury early in the game and therefore didn't have time to impact the match.

Khalid Aucho - 5

His impact wasn't felt much in the game. He got booked early in the first half and fizzled for the remainder of the game.

Byaruhanga Bobosi - 6

The youngest player on the pitch looked composed in the middle of the park.

Moses Waiswa - 4

Didn't offer much in the middle of the park before going off in the 70th minute.

Isaac Muleme - 6

He kept Abdallah Hassan at for the better part of the game. He was strong defensively and occasionally joined the attack.

Emmanuel Okwi - 3

He didn't bring any differenced in the first half and was later stretchered off.

Milton Karisa - 5

He caused Erick Ouma problems down the right. His deliveries were not as good however.

Subs

Enock Walusimbi - 6

Came on after eight minutes of play for Lwaliwa. Together with Juuko they formed a formidable central defence pairing.

Derrick Nsibambi - 3

He replaced Okwi at halftime but barely caused Kenyan defenders any problems.

Kizza Mustafa - N/A

Replaced Moses Waiswa. Didn't make much impact in the game.

Ibrahim Orit - N/A

Replaced Joseph Ochaya. Eric Ouma however dealt with him easily.

Yunus Sentamu - N/A

Was a late change in the game and made no difference.