Harambee Stars v Burundi Player Ratings: Ryan Ogam Leads Pride Win Before Dead Rubber Showdown with Ivory Coast

Image source: Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars v Burundi Player Ratings: Ryan Ogam Leads Pride Win Before Dead Rubber Showdown with Ivory Coast

Abigael Wafula 19:58 - 09.10.2025

Ryan Ogam's decisive strike sealed a pride-saving win for Kenya, offering a morale boost ahead of their dead rubber clash against the Ivory Coast.

Harambee Stars secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Burundi in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura, a result that lifts the Harambee Stars to third place in Group F.

The first leg of the encounter between Kenya and Burundi ended in a 1-1 draw, with the Swallows holding Harambee Stars, who had taken an early lead through Duke Abuya.

However, in the return leg, Harambee Stars made it clear that they were not out to play; their hard work eventually paid off with a win.

The match was defined by an early red card for Burundi's Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana and a decisive second-half strike from super-sub Ryan Ogam. While Kenya laboured at times against the resilient 10 men, the win marks a positive step in their campaign finale.

Harambee Stars Player Ratings

Brian Bwire – Goalkeeper – N/A

He was forced to exit the pitch early with an injury after a collision, hence making it impossible to rate how he could have performed for the better part of the match.

Sylvester Owino – Defender - 7.0

Sylvester Owino
Harambee Stars defender Sylvester Owino

The Gor Mahia centre-back looked solid defensively and offered a good outlet on the right flank. He was one of the standout defenders.

Collins Sichenje – Defender - 7.5

Collins Sichenje was undoubtedly a Man of the Match Contender. The Vojvodina centre-back marshalled the defence well, winning crucial headers and making several timely interceptions. Composed passing out from the back.

Vincent Harper – Defender - 7.0

Vincent Harper finally made his debut for Harambee Stars and was decent, particularly in aerial duels, but there is room for improvement. The Walsall left back was booked in the first half for a clumsy challenge.

Manzur Okwaro – Midfielder - 7.0

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, Manzur Okwaro
Benni McCarthy shares a word with Manzur Okwaro. Photo: Imago

Manzur Okwaro struggled at times with the pace of Burundi's wingers in the first half and was booked. Improved after the break and has the potential to do better.

Rooney Onyango – Defender - 6.5

Rooney Onyango kept things ticking and had great positional awareness, ensuring Kenya maintained control of possession in the second half.

Duke Abuya – Midfielder - 6.0

Duke Abuya worked hard but struggled to consistently break down the compact Burundian defence with incisive passes. He was substituted in the second half.

Adam Wilson – Winger - 7.0

Adam Wilson showed flashes of brilliance, including a curling shot before halftime that forced a great save. However, he faded slightly before being substituted.

Austin Odhiambo – Midfielder - 6.0

Austin Odhiambo was not in his usual form as he displayed a quiet game. The Gor Mahia playmaker failed to connect the midfield and attack effectively. He was substituted for tactical reasons.

William Lenkupae – Winger - 7.5

William Lenkupae was energetic down the left, often stretching the play. His interplay helped create a good chance for Ouma; however, he made some silly mistakes that could have been avoided.

Michael Olunga – Striker – 6.5

He displayed great leadership when handling issues on the pitch. Michael Olunga did not score but was pivotal to the winner, providing the sharp assist for Ryan Ogam. His link-up play and hold-up work were excellent.

Burundi vs Kenya: Substitutes

Bryne Omondi – Goalkeeper – 8.0

Came on for Bwire in the 13th minute, unexpectedly early and was a safe pair of hands. Made one notable save and handled crosses with confidence.

Job Ochieng – Winger - 6.5

Job Ochieng has become a trusted player, and he added fresh legs and urgency on the right flank, immediately making an impact.

Ryan Ogam – Striker - 9.0

He came on for Duke Abuya in the 64th minute and scored the magnificent winning goal with a sublime left-footed curler just eight minutes after coming on. His current ‘purple patch’ for the national team continues.

Timothy Ouma – Midfielder – 6.5

Timothy Ouma was substituted onto the pitch for Kenya at the start of the second half, replacing Vincent Harper. He improved his display, looking sharper, hungrier, and more determined to play real football.

Marvin Nabwire – Defender – N/A

The Kenya Police FC defender came on as a late substitute, with little time to influence.

Boniface Muchiri – Winger – N/A

He came on as a late substitute, with little time to influence.