Mozzart Sport
PLAYER RATINGS: Ogam, Kibwage stand out as Harambee Stars stop Zambia
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Reading Time: 1min | Sun. 17.08.25. | 17:32
The Tusker striker scored 15 minutes from time to see Kenya finish top of Group A with quarter finals looming
Kenya men's national football team Harambee Stars struck late against Zambia to secure top spot in Group A, wrapping up their magnificent run in so far, at their maiden African Nations Championships (CHAN).
The 1-0 win on Sunday, courtesy of Ryan Ogam, was Kenya's third out of four, and means they head to the knockouts with a kick in their step, as they are still unbeaten.
In this piece, Mozzart Sport looks at how Kenya's individual players fared in the all-important match.
Farouk ShikaloGoalkeeper
Composed on his CHAN debut as he left off where Bryne Odhiambo left off. Was not threatened often, but did come up with a big save late in the second half to keep what will be a memorable clean sheet.
Rating
7
Aboud OmarDefense
Led the squad with maturity. Unlike previous matches, there was no outlet through his wing, and was frequently making runs upfront.
Rating
6
Michael KibwageDefense
My man-of-the-match. The new Gor Mahia man has not put a foot wrong all tournament. Here, he was the one blocking everything, and made a crucial goal-line clearance early on. Solid defender.
Rating
8
Sylvester OwinoDefense
Continues to prove his level. Only one man has started all CHAN matches for Kenya, and that is Sylvester Owino. Calm, solid, composed, and somehow manages to keep himself clean despite running all over.
Rating
7
Lewis BandiMidfield
Rightly maintained his place at right-back. Was tested quite a bit, but showed his mettle, while taking a few hits, one straight to his mouth. Still kept the door shut.
Rating
6
Marvin NabwireMidfield
Had a decent game in his return. Might not have been the best in several instances when Zambia were on transition, but hung around there, even putting his body on the line when a late cross came in. Way to redeem himself.
Rating
5
Alpha Onyango Midfield
Was active in midfield, and even went close to opening the scoring for Kenya. In his role, perhaps more was expected in igniting the route to goal, but was a tad flat, before being hooked in the second half.
Rating
5
Austin OdhiamboAttack
Gauging by his previous outings, this was the underwhelming one. He created several opportunities when teeing up Ryan Ogam and himself going close with a freekick, but the car in the showroom looked little than a Rolls Royce. Looked leggy in the second half and was the first of two changes for Kenya.
Rating
5
Benstanley OmondiMidfield
Showing improvement with every passing day. He survived a few knocks in the first half but got into his zone in the second half. His cross from the left almost gifted Masud Juma a chance to break the deadlock, and offered enough width.
Rating
6
David SakwaAttack
He felt quite overwhelmed in there, and struggled to keep the ball or get his teammates involved. Not at all his best outing in a Stars shirt.
Rating
4
Ryan OgamAttack
On such scrappy days, Kenya needed a hero, and the man to call upon was Ryan Ogam, who made use of a brilliant opportunity to turn and smash past the Zambian keeper. He might have missed a few chances before that, but that goes away when he scores a crucial winner. Living up to the billing.
Rating
8
Bonface MuchiriAttack
Was on the pitch for a few minutes but his impact was visible. Created a problem for the Zambian defense on the right, before switching to the left to feed Ogam for the winner. Super sub.
Rating
7
Masoud Juma ChokaAttack
Was brought on to unlock the stubborn Zambian defense, and offered few problems for the backline. His big chance came with a header, only for the keeper to come up with a big save. Good to have him back, though.
Rating
4
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Manzur OkwaroDefense
Came on late, no fair rating.
Rating
-
Daniel SakariDefense
Came on late, no fair rating.
Rating
-
Felix OluochAttack
Came on late, no fair rating.
Rating
-
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