Former Kenyan international turned football pundit Innocent Mutiso has weighed in on Harambee Stars’ performance against DR Congo in their African Nations Champions (CHAN) Group A opener on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Speaking to a local TV station on Monday, August 4, 2025, Mutiso opined that the choice for midfielder Alpha Onyango as Man of the Match was a fitting recognition, giving the enforcer a rating of eight out of ten.

Harambee Stars pulled off a stunning 1–0 win over tournament heavyweights at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

 “My standout guy was Alpha Onyango. I think he controlled the mid very well; he was the linking man between the midfield and defence, and also the attack. He had provided cover with Mansur. For him, I give him an eight rating. Our CDM Mansur, who was playing in an unfamiliar role, I will give him a 7.5,” the former Gor Mahia ace stated.

The marauding winger during his heydays also waded into the performance of the team’s striking department, where he tore into Masud Juma’s display.

Juma was selected as the man to go to for goals by coach Benni McCarthy alongside David Sakwa and Tusker’s Ryan Ogam. The former Sharks striker did well in his hold-up play and almost bagged an assist when he controlled a high ball to set up Sakwa, who blasted over.

The chance came moments after he had come close to scoring but managed a tame effort at the DR Congo keeper after a link-up play from Austine Odhiambo.

Masud never lived up to expectations

According to Mutiso, the former Iran-based player was up to expectations and never lived up to his caliber as a former member of the national team.

“Masud had a clear-cut chance, and he surprised me by not scoring. He is an experienced player who has played on that big stage before. He has been in the CHAN qualifiers before and in the AFCON team. So I expect much better of him during that match and for him to be more clinical. For me, he did not play up to expectation,” he said.

On goalkeeper Bryne Omondi’s performance, Mutiso said, For our goalkeeper, despite the first-minute jitters, he composed himself and had a good game. He controlled the game’s tempo very well, he opined.

Commenting on Kenya’s performance, coach Benni McCarthy praised the team for a fearless display and tactically sound performance in the victory.

“I’m proud of my team—many of them were stepping onto such a big stage for the first time. Beating one of the tournament favourites is massive for us,” McCarthy said in the post-match reaction.

“We were nervous at the start, but once the boys settled, they showed real bravery.”