Harambee Stars Wednesday played to a 1-1 draw with Comoros in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Youssef M'Changama gave the visitors the lead on 26 minutes with a sumptuous free-kick but was sent off just before half time. Kenya made use of their numerical advantage in the second half when Masud Juma volleyed home the equaliser in the 65th minute.
This was Jacob "Ghost" Mulee's first match on the touchline after a 10-year sabbatical from active coaching and he named a slightly different starting squad from what many expected.
Gor Mahia midfielders Kenneth Muguna and Lawrence Juma who have been regulars under immediate former coach Francis Kimanzi were notable omissions in Mulee's squad as well as Simba defender Joash Onyango who was rumoured to have tested positive for Covid-19.
Here, Nation Sport presents the player ratings out on a scale of 1 to 10.
Origi was making a return to the national team set-up after five years and he did not disappoint. He commanded the defence very well and was always asking for the ball to bail out the defenders when Comoros pressed high as is expected of modern goalkeepers - to get involved in the build up.
He conceded once through a delightful freekick from M'changama but credit goes to the Comoros midfielder for his technique.
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi in action against Comoros during their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group 'G' qualifier at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on November 11, 2020.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
The Kariobangi Sharks man was slotted at right back and endured a difficult night. He was not comfortable on the ball and his wing was badly exposed. Comoros seemed to have identified him as the weak link and they often used the right flank to attack. Olwande is a natural centre back and playing him at right back was not a good decision. He was replaced by the experienced David "Calabar" Owino after the break.
The former Gor Mahia left back is normally a live wire down his wing attacking and defending with zeal but this aspect of his game was missing against Comoros. However, this is understandable as the defender resumed action recently after recovering from a bad foot injury that required surgery.
The new Mamelodi Sundowns acquisition seemed fitter than when he captained Harambee Stars in a friendly match against Zambia a fortnight ago and will definitely be a regular moving forward. He was solid in the air and pushed the team forward in search of the elusive winning goal in the second half.
The Elfsborg man was calm and composed as usual at the back but he needs to work on the accuracy of his long passes which were unusually off target against Comoros.
Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu (left) vies with Comoros forward Ahmed Mogni during their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group 'G' qualifier at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on November 11, 2020.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
The captain was evidently tired after a long flight that saw him arrive just 24 hours to the game. He had also played a full match for Montreal Impact two days before jetting in and the fatigue was there for all to see.
However "The Lion" put in a decent shift and rallied his troops throughout the game. He would have scored the winner but his effort was cleared off the line in the second half.
The speedy winger is currently unattached after parting ways with Chinese giants Beijing Renhe. He seemed to lack match fitness and most of his runs on the flanks did not bear any fruit.
A fully fit Ayub Timbe is usually a threat to defenders but on this occasion he struggled. We can only wish that he gets a club soon and play regularly as that will reflect on his performance for the national team.
An average performance from the midfielder who on a good day is usually the engine for the national team. He is also coming back from an injury and has featured sparingly for Belgian side Cercle Brugge so far this season.
The former Kariobangi Sharks man scored Kenya's goal and tried to pick the ball from deep in our own half on several occasions. He also helped in defending but also missed a couple of open chances. Michael Olunga's boots proved to be too big for him to fill as we clearly missed a natural finisher upfront.
Kenya's Masud Juma celebrates his goal against Comoros during their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on November 11, 2020.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Eric "Mapake" Johanna - 4
Yet another disappointing performance from the former Mathare United midfielder. He was off colour against Zambia and many expected Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna to start in his place.
Against Comoros he lost possession a couple of times and he was not at his best. We all know he is a quality player but he has struggled to carry his good form at Swedish second tier side Jonkoping to the national team.
He was the man-of-the-match in the 2-1 win over Zambia a fortnight ago and once again put in a good shift against Comoros. Arguably our best player against Comoros and his individual brilliance twice almost gifted Kenya a goal. He has shown consistency and I proved to national team coaches that the number 7 position is now his and deserves to start every game.
Harambee Stars' Cliff Nyakeya controls the ball during their 2021 Afcon qualifier against Comoros at Kasarani on November 11, 2020.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
David "Calabar" Owino played the entire second half and did a good job in stopping the attacks on the right side. He also added punch to our attack and delivered good crosses into the box. Mulee admitted he was impressed with his performance and will definitely start in the return match on Sunday.
The others substitutes Boniface Muchiri, Abdallah Hassan and Mark Makwata all did well in upping the tempo and pace as we searched for the winner and have now given the technical bench something to ponder about ahead of the return leg.
