It has never been easy against West African nations when Harambee Stars faces them, however, on March 29, 2021, Kenya earned a rare victory against Togo in Lome and many believed that this was the beginning of greater things to come.
A 5-0 defeat in the hands of a well oiled Mali side on Thursday October 9, 2021 reminded us that there is a huge gap between East Africa and the West African footballing nations.
While our best export in Europe on the night was Red Star Belgrade youngster Richard Odada, Mali had the likes of Moussa Djenepo of Southampton, Kalifa Coulibaly of FC Nantes, Amadou Haidara of RB Leipzig, clearly there was a huge disparity here.
So how did Harambee Stars players rate against Mali? Here is TeamKenya’s verdict.
Ian Otieno 2/10
The Zesco United keeper had a first half to forget as he picked four from his net. Failure to command his area especially in the second goal showed that he was not up to task and would soon be replaced by KMC’s Farouk Shikalo.
Joash Onyango 3/10
Probably playing at right back for the second time in his career, the Berlin Wall could not tame Moussa Djenepo and his evening was summed up in the 35th minute of the game when he was hauled off for Abdalla Hassan.
Aboud Omar 3/10
Back on fold after almost two years out, Omar was not able to make good use of this opportunity as he clearly struggled against the pacy Malians. He was caught out of position most of the time
Johnstone Omurwa 4/10
He probably had most touches of the ball than most of his teammates. The Wazito center-back was however exposed by Ibrahima Kone who scored a hat trick.
Joseph Okumu 3/10
The Gent man was below average on the night and he did little to command the defence. A lot of mispasses and indecisions summed up his night.
Eric Ouma 4/10
He has always seen the job done when called upon but this time round, he looked out of place and did little to help the team going forward.
Richard Odada 4/10
Another below-par performance from the Red Stars Belgrade man. On his third cap, the heir apparent to Victor Wanyama looked a pale shadow of himself as he failed to command the midfield, allowing the Malians to bombard Harambee Stars at will.
Lawrence Juma 2/10
For the second time in a row, the Sofapaka man was substituted in the first half. If you don’t need him, don't even give him a call up!
Kenneth Muguna 3/10
The Azam FC midfielder never dictated pace in midfield as is his norm. He was quiet and struggled to create anything meaningful for Engin Firat’s side.
Michael Olunga 3/10
Should he be the national team captain in the first place? The lanky forward once again failed to lead from the front. He wasted an opportunity to at least get a goal for kenya in the 78th minute of the game when he guided his header wide after being put through by Bonface Muchiri.
Farouk Shikhalo 3/10
Came in after the break for Ian Otieno, did well to save Amadou Haidara’s freekick but could do nothing else but pick Mousa Doumbia’s effort from the net in the 85th minute.
Abdallah Hassan 3/10
Gave away a needless penalty while playing in an unusual right-back. He struggled in his new role.
Erick Zakayo 3/10
The Tusker teenager who came in for Lawrence Juma has minimal impact in the game.
Boniface Muchiri 5/10
Usually an impact player, the Tusker FC wideman at least gave the Kenya attack some hope but still his runs were not well timed by his teammates
Duke Abuya N/A
Came in the last 12 minutes of the game but did little to make an impact in the game.