Austine Odhiambo, Alpha Onyango © Mozzart Sport
PLAYER RATINGS: Gor Mahia duo Austine Odhiambo, Alpha Onyango dazzle in Harambee Stars win
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Reading Time: 1min | Sun. 03.08.25. | 18:26
The win hands Kenya early control of Group A
Kenya's Harambee Stars kicked off their maiden African Nations Championships (CHAN) campaign with a historic 1-0 victory over DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Stadium - Kasarani on Sunday, 3 August.
The win saw multiple players perform brilliantly, highlighted by star-man Austine Odhiambo, who made his mark by scoring Kenya's only goal of the game in the first half.
Along with his exploits, Mozzart Sport rates how the other Kenyan players performed in the sell-out opener.
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Bryne OdhiamboGoalkeeper
Lived up to his tag of being the best keeper in the land. He was all of: assured, composed, commanding, confident.
DR Congo might have bossed proceedings, but wherever they tried their luck to get past the Bandari FC keeper were shut down. His sprawling takes from crosses were well greeted with fan applause.
Rating
8
Daniel SakariDefense
Apart from an early yellow card, the Kenya Police FC defender paid full dividends by being Kenya's outlet down the right side.
McCarthy's formation meant he operated more as a wing-back, and it was from his overload that Austine Odhiambo scored.
Rating
6
Alphonce OmijaDefense
Without his crucial intervention a minute to halftime, we probably could have been reviewing the game differently.
A scramble in the box offered DR Congo a chance to stick in an equaliser, but up stepped the Gor Mahia man to clear the tame effort off the line. That was just a gloss on his assured performance under relentless pressure.
Rating
7
Sylvester OwinoDefense
Answered questions, if any, about his resolve at the back with a steady performance. There were hiccups - when he headed a ball straight to an attacker who only shot over and often clearing harmless balls despite calls to leave them from his keeper - but he showed he can be depended on going forward.
Rating
6
Aboud OmarDefense
Handled the pressure that so often accompanies captains with a calm head. His experience was on show when he drew a foul in a dangerous position early on, but showed his abilities to fend off attacks on the left side.
Rating
6
Alpha Onyango Midfield
The engine of the team. The Gor Mahia man ran himself to ground and did what must be already familiar to him - slayed the Leopard. He was awarded the game's man of the match, and deservedly so for his grind and tenacity.
Rating
8
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Manzur OkwaroDefense
Surprisingly thrown in to start, but held his own against the big boys. Primarily a full-back, his role on this occasion saw him move further forward into midfield, and by the time he was unfortunately stretchered off with a foot injury, was linking play with poise belying his age.
Rating
6
Austin OdhiamboAttack
There are so many non-conventional adjectives attached to his name that he lived up to. Rolls-Royce, MVP, Starboy. His goal was a work of pure art, and you will be sure it will be replayed and analysed time and time again.
It was history, but also a mark from a player many expected to conjure up some magic. Add: Difference-maker.
Rating
8
Ryan OgamAttack
What would the Tusker FC man look like in his first start since suffering a nasty knee injury? Well, not so different. He caused the DR Congo backline some problems on the wings, and one thing that has not left him is his pace. Still a valuable weapon.
Rating
6
David SakwaAttack
Probably Kenya's fourth-best player. The Bandari FC man may not have been expected to start, but showed why he was worth doing so.
His immediate shift to the right saw him lay off Austine Odhiambo for the goal, but it was such a dangerous outlet on the wings. Also showed strength to keep playing despite suffering a brutal hit to his head
Rating
7
Masoud Juma ChokaAttack
Ideally, the only man not to have played a minute of domestic football last season. His call-up ought to have made much of a difference to the side, but his performance did not reflect that.
He spurned an early chance after hitting a shot directly at the keeper, and hobbled off after an hour. Far from ideal.
Rating
5
Marvin NabwireMidfield
Came in for the last 25 minutes when Kenya had their backs against the wall. Fair to say he would have loved it the other way round, but still helped see off an important clean sheet.
Rating
4
Bonface MuchiriAttack
A swipe to his face was a cruel introduction for the Ulinzi Stars man, but he held his own in preserving Kenya's clean sheet.
Rating
4
Michael KibwageDefense
Came on late, not enough time to hand a fair rating.
Rating
-
Benstanley OmondiMidfield
Came on late, not enough time to hand a fair rating.
Rating
-
Chris EramboMidfield
Came on late, not enough time to hand a fair rating.
Rating
-
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