Kenya 0-0 Namibia Player Ratings as stalemate sees both sides end their qualification run early

In what was mostly an inconsequential game at the Africa Cup of Nations, Qualification, Group J, Round 6, Kenya took on Namibia as both teams looked to close the book for the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifications. Occupying the bottom spots of their group both sides endured a disappointing campaign and were effectively ruled out of the qualifications by Cameroon and Zimbabwe. 

That said, the game still made for an entertaining contest between two sides that were evenly matched for the most part. Whilst the Kenyans displayed some slick technical play with some good build-up in the first half, Namibia were the ones pushing the pace in the second half. By the end, however, neither side was able to show any quality in front of the goal. For all their possession and control in the first half, Kenya failed to create anything substantial, although coming close with a headed miss from close range from a free kick. Whilst Kenya had a good chance to go in front in the first half, Namibia seemingly had a goal wrongfully disallowed for offside.

Looking back, it wouldn’t have counted for much anyway but could have given the Namibian players a morale boost, especially after their torrid AFCON qualification campaign, which saw them extremely shy in front of goal. That said, their desire to fight back and try and go for it, despite there not being much on the line, was commendable and nearly yielded a suitable reward.

All in all, the game, although a stalemate had its moments and some of the players on the pitch were excellent with their skill and tireless commitment. Although both sides were well aware of impending exit from the qualifiers, the match served as good practice for their upcoming World Cup qualifications next year. 

Kenya Player Ratings vs Namibia

Goalkeeper

Bryne Odhiambo: 7.5/10- Despite a smooth sailing first half, he had to be called into action a couple of times to make big saves and was always up to the task. Wasn’t too shabby with his passing either. 

Defenders

Erick Otieno: 7.5/10- Tireless from minute one, the left-back made darting runs, often linking up with his winger to try to find an attacker in the box. Did well to get past his man and cross, but struggled to find his man on most occasions. 

Johnstone Omurwa: 7/10- Solid at the back and tidy in possession. The best chance of his side arguably fell to him in the first half from a free kick, which, despite being unmarked, he was unable to steer towards the goal. 

Daniel Anyembe: 7.5/10- Brilliant in defense and equally as adept with the ball at his feet. Seemingly did not put a foot wrong, winning back the ball at times, and was unbeaten in the air throughout the 90. 

Rooney Onyango: 7/10- An average performance from the right back in all honesty. Stuck in his position and did not venture forward on too many occasions. Did his duties at the back and kept his opposite number honest throughout. 

Midfielders

Richard Odada: 7.5/10- Contender for the man of the match in my opinion. Seemed head and shoulders above a lot of the players on the pitch and was the lynchpin in midfield for his side. Conducted the play well and had an all-round performance, which was worthy of a special mention. 

Anthony Akumu: 6.5/10- Slightly less prevalent than his midfield pivot, Akumu seemed to have been given the license to push further up the pitch to try and create openings for his teammates. Did not take any of the defensive responsibilities and whilst accurate, wasn’t too inventive with his passing. 

Austin Otieno: 6.5/10- Was fairly accurate with his passing and ability to keep the ball. Did not provide anything exceptional for his attacking teammates to feast on. 

Attackers

John Avire: 6/10- Had a go at both flanks, looking slightly more comfortable on the left. Was combative and had a go at his opposite number as he tried to create something for his side. 

Duke Abuya: 5.5/10- Was quite wasteful on the right and did not provide an outlet or seem to be a source of creativity. Was largely pocketed by his opposing number. 

Alfred Scriven: 6.5/10- Active and willing, yet unable to truly create an opening for himself or get on the end of something by his teammates. Had a good go, but could have made himself a bigger problem for the opposing defense.

Substitutes

Daniel Sakari: N/A

Marvin Omondi: N/A

Jonah Ayunga: N/A

Aboud Omar: N/A

Charles Saramu Momanyi: N/A

Manager

Engin Firat: 6/10- Set up his side to progress the play well but struggled to truly figure out a way to break down the Nambia defense. Could have made adjustments in the second half to keep his team competitive throughout the 90. 

Also Read: North Korea 0-1 Uzbekistan Player Ratings as the visitors hold on for a tiring win after going down to 10 men

Namibia Player Ratings vs Kenya

Goalkeeper

Edward Maova: 6.5/10- Didn’t have much to do or really make a save all game. However, aside from his run out to collect the ball, there were moments when he was slightly shaky and worried about his defense. 

Defenders

Kennedy Eib: 7/10- Mostly solid at the back and was hardly ever too hassled by the opposition. Was extremely precise with his passing and calm with the ball at his feet. Aside from a few duels was quite resolute today. 

Charles Hambira: 6.5/10- Although he didn’t have much to mop up, he was caught off guard on a few occasions, which could have proved to be dangerous for his side. Was up to the mark with the ball at his feet.

Ngero Kaanjuka Katua: 8/10- Dominant throughout, shutting out his opposite number out of the game entirely. Managed to deal with any attacks pretty effectively and found his teammates with a few of his long balls as well. 

Midfielders

Riaan Hanamub: 6.5/10- All in all a pretty average performance from the wing-back, who whilst being good in defense, couldn’t really deliver the goods up top, lacking a lot of quality with some of his deliveries.  

Aprocius Petrus: 6/10: Combative in midfield but was at times outdone by an opposing player. Needed to have more impact with his passing, often choosing to go the safer route rather than try something a little more dangerous and creative. 

Vitapi Ngaruka: 6/10- A middling performance from the midfielder who was at times missing from action. Did not make any noticeable mistakes as such but did not do anything of note either. 

Ivan Kamberipa: 6.5/10- Another middle-of-the-pack performance, did enough not to get hooked but could not contribute anything significant of note off of the flanks either. 

Attackers

Willy Stephanus: 7/10- Arguably the more lively of the bunch, actually looked as though he was up for the game, trying to set up his teammates for success, and even had a go himself. Looked as though he could have been the difference-maker for his side today.

Prins Menelik Tjiueza: 6.5/10- A slightly drab performance from the forward, who found himself pegged back at times, trying to help out the defense rather than attack. Going forward, he was unable to put too much together, despite good attempts. Can be commended for his work rate on the day. 

Elmo Kambindu: 6/10- Missed a big chance that could have settled the tie for his side. In what was largely an uninspired performance, his mistake is what stands out the most from his performance. 

Substitutes

Sergio Damaseb: 6.5/10 – Had a good run out in the second half in the heart of defense. Helped by the fact his side was in the ascendancy, he still, did his job, sorting out trouble wherever he saw fit. 

Moses Shidolo: N/A

Bethuel Muzeu: N/A

Paulus Amutenya: N/A

Peter Shalulile: N/A

Manager

Collin Benjamin: 6.5/10 Despite an overall disappointing campaign, his side has shown signs of resilience and ability to contend with the best. Needs to figure out a way to get his side to score more goals. Although they have a solid core, the Namibian team struggles from a lack of goals, which was evident during their qualification run, as they managed to score only 2 goals throughout.

Also Read: Cameroon 2-1 Zimbabwe Player Ratings: Indomitable Lions seals close fought Victory