5 Things Learnt From Harambee Stars’ Ryan Ogam-Inspired Narrow Win Over Burundi

Kenya’s Harambee Stars edged past Burundi in a hard-fought encounter that left fans both relieved and reflective. While the three points were secured, the match laid bare both the team’s growing strengths and lingering weaknesses. 

From Ryan Ogam’s magic touch to tactical concerns in creativity, here are five key takeaways from the narrow but vital win.

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Once again, Ryan Ogam showed why he has been winning plaudits since the start of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) which has opened a lot of doors for him.

Ogam was subbed on in the 65th minute with Stars looking for some piece of magic and inspiration, and by the 71st minute, was wheeling away in celebration after his belter left footed strike left the Burundi goalkeeper stunned and helpless.

This now means that Ogam has now scored four international goals in three official caps, to add on to the two that he scored during the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN).

If he goes on at the trajectory he is currently at, it will only be a matter of time before he genuinely proves he can oust long standing captain Michael Olunga from the position.

For large parts of the game that saw Kenya play for over 90 minutes with a man advantage, they struggled to create chances of any real quality.

Perhaps, it was the artificial turf that affected how they were playing, but even so, the performance of the creative playmakers in the team was underwhelming.

Austin Odhiambo and Duke Abuya were ineffective playing as free roaming eights either side of Manzur Okwaro, who played as the sitting defensive midfielder in the first half before being moved to left back for the second half.

They struggled to create chances, with the only real chance coming in the 45th minute when Adam Wilson attempted a left footed shot from deep at goal from a transitional situation.

In the end, Kenya did get all the three points, but McCarthy will have to think about more solutions on how to get his team to be more creative and imaginative.

Timothy Ouma looked much better than his last appearance for the side against Gambia last September, when he looked rugged and rusty after not having alot of gametime under his belt for his club Lech Poznan.

Four weeks later, he looks a much more improved and sharp player, and he showed it as a defensive midfielder in the second half, when everything ticked through him as a hub.

 Alongside William Lenkupae, who was pushed to central midfield as well after starting as a right winger, he made the team progress more positively from the base of midfield.

He will surely be impressed by his display, and could be a strong contender to start against Ivory Coast in Abidjan.

Vincent Harper finally made his debut as a left back against Burundi, but he struggled to impress over the first 45 minutes he was on the pitch.

The timing of some of his challenges was off, and he even earned a yellow card at some point. He also struggled to get going in an attacking sense, before being subbed off at the break.

He may get more chances in the future, but the former Bristol City man has been given a taste of international football by way of baptism through fire.

Michael Olunga failed to find the back of the net, but his presence upfront played a key role in helping the side get all three points. His hold up play was a joy to behold, and he linked up well with his teammates.

For instance, before the halftime break, it was his hold up play that allowed for Wilson to register the side’s first shot on target. He played a key role in Ryan Ogam’s goal as he involved himself in the nice intricate piece of play that resulted in the former Tusker man finding the back of the net.

He also pressed relentlessly off the ball before being subbed off for Boniface Muchiri. But he will feel he earned his money. 

In the end, Kenya’s narrow win over Burundi was as much a test of character as it was of quality. Ryan Ogam’s heroics once again highlighted the team’s emerging talents, but the lack of creative edge and consistent structure remain pressing issues. 

With tougher fixtures ahead, including the trip to Abidjan to face Ivory Coast, coach McCarthy will know that while the result was positive, there is still plenty of work to be done if Harambee Stars are to truly rise among Africa’s elite