Harambee Stars Player Ratings vs Morocco: Byrne Omondi Shines as 10-Man Kenya Embarrass Morocco

The sun was setting over Kasarani, but the noise was deafening from the first whistle. Outside the gates, chaos — fans scaling fences, squeezing through gates after long queues tested their patience. 

Inside, a packed Moi International Sports Centre was already bouncing. They had come to watch the Harambee Stars face Morocco, but what they got was grit, drama, and one unforgettable goal by Ryan Ogam that resulted in a historic 1-0 win for them at the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.

Alot of players shone and made their country proud. But how exactly did each and every one of them perform?

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Rightly named man of the match following his assured display in goal for Harambee Stars this afternoon. 

Omondi was assured with his command of the area, organised his defence properly and never looked out of place.  He produced a performance for the ages, making four saves and two high claims, and has now kept two clean sheets so far this campaign.

Coming In place of Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi showed why AFC Leopards fans have been holding him in high esteem.

The right back looked composed and very nonchalant on the ball, and alongside Mohamed Siraj, was inverting into the midfield, allowing for Kenya to create overloads in possession, which thus allowed the likes of Boniface Muchiri into the game.

His performance should likely keep him in the squad for the next match.

Named captain for the day, Mike Kibwage was organised and gave the Kenyan defence a sense of calm, just like he did when he came on against DR Congo and Angola.

One of only five players who kept their place in the starting line up today, Sylvester Owino was commanding and no nonsense in his defending throughout, keeping the Moroccan attack at bay.

The new Gor Mahia man produced a very calm and collected display all afternoon before being substituted in the 73rd minute

Just like Bandi, Siraj was also tucking into the midfield in order to support Manzur and Erambo, and it allowed them a fair share of possession shortly before the red card.

Even afterwards, he looked astute defensively, and deserves his flowers.

Did well before being sent off for quite a reckless tackle upon reviewing by VAR. However, he was energetic throughout the 45 minutes he was on the pitch.

Another stellar performance by the youngster, who has impressed playing as a defensive midfielder in all the three games he has played so far.

Was energetic, athletic and significantly improved the side’s game in possession with his intelligent ability to recycle it.

Brought energy and dynamism to the number 10 position in kind of a different way to Austin Odhiambo, rested and unused for the game. He also did his work defensively, but was a bit clumsy in possession at times.

Looked better compared to his game against Angola. He enjoyed more possession, won fouls in dangerous areas, including in the second half when he initially won a penalty before VAR ruled it as a foul committed right outside the box.

Was relatively quiet compared to the clash against Morocco, but did his work defensively, and stretched play on occasion as a right winger.

Brought energy and presence upfront, and his winning goal, a well-taken left footed shot into the bottom corner, was the stuff of dreams.

On as a substitute for this game, Omija was astute and strong as he slotted onto the right side of a back three, and made sure Kenya saw out the game.

Another benched for this game, his job was simple. See out the game, which he did.

On as a right sided midfielder with Benni McCarthy switching to a 5-3-1 low block set up, Sakari brought energy and carried the ball well. He also helped manage the game out.

Came on as a substitute after being ruled fit for the game and also helped see out the game.

From the red card late in the first half to the wild celebrations after Ogam’s winner, this was a performance of courage and concentration. Harambee Stars didn’t just beat Morocco — they outworked, outthought, and outlasted them.

 Kenya top Group A, one foot in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals, and a reminder to the continent that on their day, Harambee Stars can stand toe-to-toe with anyone.