The Harambee Stars played out a goalless draw against Chad in a friendly that highlighted the team’s defensive solidity but also exposed the lack of cutting edge in attack. While the match lacked goals, several players stood out for their performances, offering insights into who impressed and who struggled in Benni McCarthy’s side.
Goalkeeper and Defense
Brian Bwire was one of Kenya’s standout performers. Although he was largely untested during the match, he made a crucial one-on-one save late in the game to preserve the clean sheet. His composure and reliability in goal gave the Harambee Stars a solid last line of defense. At the back, the team was disciplined and well-organized.
Daniel Sakari delivered a tidy and dependable performance at right-back. He maintained his defensive duties effectively, sticking to the basics without making mistakes. However, his contribution going forward was limited, as he didn’t provide much in terms of attacking support.
Abud Omar was a clear highlight in defense. Operating on the left flank, Omar was not only rock-solid defensively but also offered an attacking threat. His overlapping runs and quality crosses added an extra dimension to the team’s play, and he was one of the few players who consistently looked to push forward.
Alphonce Omija was calm and composed at center-back, showing good awareness and positioning that helped keep the defensive shape intact. Brian Mandela, the stand-in captain, had a quieter game but was effective in organizing the backline and maintaining composure throughout the match.
Midfield Battle
In midfield, the game was controlled largely by Alpha Onyango, who was arguably Kenya’s best player on the day. The Gor Mahia midfielder dictated the tempo, won key duels, and linked play with intelligent passes. His work rate and control in the middle of the park helped keep the team ticking, especially in a match where possession and structure were vital.
Brian Musa was steady but lacked creativity and influence. He did a solid job holding midfield, maintaining structure, but didn’t offer the spark needed to unlock Chad’s defense.
Boniface Muchiri showed a strong work ethic and defensive commitment, working hard off the ball. However, he had limited impact in the attacking third, and his efforts went largely unnoticed in terms of creating chances or scoring opportunities.
Moses Shumah, brought in to fill the attacking void left by Michael Olunga’s absence, struggled to replicate his league form. The striker found it difficult to impose himself on the game and was unable to create significant opportunities or threaten the Chad defense.
Adam Wilson had a functional performance, keeping things simple and minimizing errors but lacking creativity or flair that could have helped push the team forward.
Attack and Substitutes
William Lenkupae was the brightest spark for Kenya in attack. His intelligent movement, pace, and link-up play consistently troubled Chad’s defense. Despite his efforts and multiple dangerous runs, he was unfortunate not to score. Lenkupae’s performance showed the kind of dynamism and threat the Harambee Stars need more of going forward.
From the bench, Austin Odhiambo made a positive impact after coming on at halftime. His urgency and flair injected some life into Kenya’s attacking play, though he too couldn’t find a breakthrough. Other substitutes, including Ben Stanley and Sakwa David, had minimal influence due to limited playing time, while Emmanuel Osoro did what was asked but didn’t shine due to the brief minutes on the pitch.
Summary
The match was a testament to the team’s defensive discipline, with several players especially Bwire, Omar, and Omija helping keep a clean sheet. Onyango’s midfield control and Lenkupae’s attacking threat were the key positives in a game otherwise marked by a lack of offensive sharpness.
Kenya’s failure to convert chances and break down Chad’s defense remains a concern for McCarthy. The team showed it can be organized and solid at the back, but the lack of a clinical edge up front means they missed an opportunity to secure a win.
If the Harambee Stars can harness the attacking energy of players like Lenkupae and Odhiambo and combine it with the midfield control of Onyango, they will be in a stronger position to turn draws into victories. For now, though, the stalemate leaves questions about Kenya’s ability to break down well-structured defenses and convert possession into goals.
