Kenya’s Harambee Stars on Wednesday 7, spanked minnows Mauritius 5-2 in the round 1 of FIFA World Cup preliminaries played at Anjalay Stadium, Belle Vue.

The high scoring match recorded some brilliant individual display from a number of Stars’ players – here’s how Soka25east.com rate them.

Michael Olunga 8/10

The lanky striker was playing his second senior game for the national team and he never disappointed. Even though he played mainly on the left wing and not his preferred central role in attack, he assisted Johana Omollo’s opener and Harun Shakava’s third goal for Stars before scoring the fifth goal.

He posed a constant aerial threat to the Islanders and had a couple of headers on target.

The Gor Mahia point man also assisted in defense especially on the right wing where Mauritius was more active.

Olunga has now scored two successive goals for Kenya – he scored in the Stars’ 2-1 loss to Zambia in the AFCON 2017 qualifier last month.

Ayub Timbe 9/10

The wizardry of the of the Lierse-Belgium man always left Mauritius defense in tatters, and he capped the brilliant display with a superb goal scored from a corner kick.

His ability to dribble past defenders helped create spaces in defense for strikers while moving in attack, the runs occasionally resulted in free kicks in dangerous areas.

For Ayub just like Olunga, it was a continuation of a good run for the Stars.

Johanna Omollo 9/10

Johanna was the cover just behind the strikers giving him free role to roam forward, a role he executed to near perfection. And he rewarded Coach Bobby Williamson’s unwavering faith in him with a brace.

The Royal Antwerp midfielder struck twice in the 20th minute for the first goal, tapping home Olunga’s assist and in the later minutes of the match heading past Mauritius keeper Jean Louis from Kevin Anwayi’s inviting cross.

Omollo presence was felt throughout the match.
Victor Wanyama 4/10

It was another underwhelming show from the skipper, as he got dispossessed and gave away possession at some point in the midfield.

Coming from club duty where he stared in Southampton’s 3-1 big win over England champions Chelsea, there was a lot of weight on his shoulders to replicate the same in national colors which didn’t happen.

The long journey from Engaland to Mauritius with little rest could also have affected his game as he looked fatigued.

Harun Shakava 7/10

The tall defender was playing his first senior match and he blended in well. Despite the nervy occasions when Kenyan defense was caught napping,the Gor defender was always present in the defense.

He crowned it with a goal, scoring Kenya’s third moments after the first half. As a young player he can only get better with more matches and a more consistent partnership at the heart of defense.

Kevin Anwayi 5/10

Despite coming on as a substitute, the Ulinzi Stars winger had an instant impact in the game, assisting Kenya’s fourth goal just when “Club M” was plotting an upset.

He showed confidence on the ball, making dangerous runs and passing well.

Allan Wanga 3/10

As a lone striker, he had zero shot on target and had very minimal contribution to the match – a way blow per performance for an experienced poacher who turns out for CECAFA KAGAME cup champions Azam.

David “Cheche” Ochieng 6/10

His contribution was well noticed when he got substituted in the second half and the team conceded a penalty almost immediately.

Even though he looked unsettled at some point in the game and got booked, he brought stability in the defense and as unattached player with no match fitness, he did his best.

Boniface Oluoch 6/10

The Gor Mahia keeper filled in the big shoes well in the absence of Kenya one Arnold Origi. He Denied Mauritius in the opening minutes of the game with a double save, however later in the game he couldn’t hold on to ball and Kenya survived a double scare.

Edwin Wafula 7/10

His wing was impermeable, he also added numbers forward when Harambee Stars went in attack.

Dennis Odhiambo 5/10

The left full back had a low key game unlike when he played in the 2-1 loss to Zambia last month.
His wing was porous and Mauritius exploited it fully forcing Olunga to occasionally fall back to cover him.

Teddy Akumu 6/10

Quite but effective, his partnership with Wanyama didn’t click exposing the back line on several occasions. He assisted Micheal Olunga goal.

Musa Mohammed 3/10

He came on as a second half substitute in place of Cheche and almost immediately gave away a penalty when he hacked down Andy Sophie in the box. He failed to replicate his solid display at club level in the red and white colors.

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@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com