Harambee Stars v Seychelles Player Ratings: Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam Among Biggest Shining Lights For Kenya at Kasarani
Kenya’s Harambee Stars put on a dominant show at Kasarani Stadium, thrashing Seychelles 5-0 in their latest 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The result, powered by Ryan Ogam’s brace and Michael Olunga’s double, kept Kenya’s qualification hopes alive and thrilled the home fans in Nairobi.
Head coach Benni McCarthy’s charges looked sharp, fluid, and clinical in attack, while maintaining discipline at the back. Here’s how the Stars rated:
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
Player Ratings
Brian Bwire – 7 Bwire was untested during the game and looked comfortable throughout the match. Did not have a lot of saves to make, and showcased his class with the ball at his feet.
Ronney Onyango – 8 Onyango looked at ease throughout the game as a right-back given freedom to hug the line and provide width, which allowed William Lenkupae freedom to drift infield and create overloads in the middle of the park. Delivered some dangerous crosses down the right flank and had a good time on the pitch before being subbed off.
Manzur Okwaro – 9 Played in his natural left-back role, Okwaro was nonchalant dropping into midfield to create overloads during build-up, and also supported his winger Job Ochieng with overlaps whenever the opportunity allowed.
Collins Sichenje – 9 Sichenje had a game to remember. Not only did he score the game’s second goal, he also ended the match as captain after Michael Olunga was subbed off. He did well as a right centre-back, and when McCarthy shifted to a back three, he overlapped effectively to aid the build-up.
Sylvester Owino – 8 Started as the left centre-back and was imperious defensively. He also executed some good diagonal balls with both feet which helped the side progress the ball well against Seychelles.
Alpha Onyango – 8 Continued where he left off against Gambia. Combined well with his teammates with one-two movements, and progressed the ball with diagonal passes and through balls. He also covered a lot of ground off the ball.
Duke Abuya – 9 Abuya provided two assists, both from free kicks in dangerous areas, and overloaded the box with late runs from deep. A lively performance before being subbed off for Marvine Nabwire.
William Lenkupae – 9 Lenkupae showed why McCarthy has relied on him consistently. His movement was a joy to behold, as was his combination play and tireless work rate without the ball. Subbed off for Boniface Muchiri.
Job Ochieng – 8 A first start to remember. The Real Sociedad man consistently took his marker on down the left flank, and came close to scoring with a ferocious shot that rattled the post.
Ryan Ogam – 9 Ogam continues to impress with each passing match. He could have had a hat-trick, but still netted Kenya’s first two goals and was a menace throughout, tormenting Seychelles defenders alongside Olunga.
Michael Olunga – 9 The captain is now just two goals shy of William ‘Chege’ Ouma’s all-time record of 36 for Kenya. He scored the fourth goal from the penalty spot, then powered home a bullet header for the fifth after a Boniface Muchiri assist before being subbed off for Mike Kibwage.
Substitutes
Boniface Muchiri – 7: Looked good after coming on, dangerous in one-v-one situations, with crisp crosses and set-piece deliveries.
Ben Stanley Omondi – 6: Worked hard on the left wing, combining well with teammates and tracking back defensively.
Mike Kibwage – 6: Calm and composed in his 20 minutes on the pitch, helping preserve the clean sheet.
Marvin Nabwire – 6: Energetic cameo, focused on seeing the game out.
Lewis Bandi – 6: Provided width as a right wingback and enjoyed his second senior cap, though not heavily involved.
Final Word
The emphatic 5-0 victory keeps Kenya in strong contention to finish as high as possible in their qualifying group and showcased the squad’s depth, with both established stars and new faces stepping up.
With Olunga closing in on history and Ogam continuing his rise, Harambee Stars look set for an exciting road ahead in their World Cup journey.