Michael Olunga returned to top form in Harambee Stars’ dominant 5-0 victory over Seychelles in the World Cup qualifiers. The Al-Arabi striker scored twice alongside Ryan Ogam as Kenya bounced back from their defeat to Gambia. With his brace, Olunga equaled Dennis Oliech’s long-standing national team record.
Olunga Equals Oliech’s Record After Stellar Seychelles Performance
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga matched Dennis Oliech’s scoring record with a clinical double in Tuesday’s qualifier at Kasarani Stadium. The Al-Arabi forward had faced criticism after Kenya’s 3-1 defeat to Gambia on September 5, a result that severely dented their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite his individual brilliance, Olunga’s international career has not yet delivered major success. Although he represented Kenya at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, the team’s qualification only came as a result of FIFA’s suspension of Sierra Leone.
How Olunga Has Performed for Kenya
Olunga has been a key part of the national team for more than a decade, making his debut on March 28, 2015, in a friendly against Seychelles where he also scored his first goal later that year against South Sudan. Since then, he has been a constant figure under several coaches. After Victor Wanyama’s retirement in 2021, Olunga took over the captaincy and has led the team with consistency.
He represented Kenya at the 2019 AFCON, playing in all the group-stage matches and scoring twice in the victory over rivals Tanzania, though the team was eliminated at the group stage. That tournament remains their only major appearance since Olunga’s debut. He was ineligible for CHAN 2024, which Kenya co-hosted and where they reached the quarterfinals. Their loss to Gambia ended hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.
The Record Olunga Has Matched
Olunga’s two goals against Seychelles brought his tally for the national team to 34, tying him with Dennis Oliech, one of Kenya’s greatest footballers. He is now only two goals away from surpassing William Ouma’s record of 35, which would make him Kenya’s all-time top scorer.
According to Transfermarkt, 14 of Olunga’s goals have come in friendlies, while 11 have been scored in World Cup qualifiers. At club level, he has also scored 204 career goals. Before joining Al-Arabi, he left Al Duhail as the club’s all-time top scorer with 130 goals.
Benni McCarthy Praises His Captain
Coach Benni McCarthy has relied on Olunga as his first-choice striker since taking charge in March. The forward scored in McCarthy’s first two games and delivered again against Seychelles. After the win, McCarthy praised his captain, saying that the haters will keep hating because your talent will just keep shining. Back in my day, I didn’t care what people said I just kept performing. Michael is the same. His name will remain, and the critics will always struggle to reach his level.
Fans Criticize Olunga After Gambia Defeat
In a related report by TUKO.co.ke, Olunga came under fire following the 3-1 loss to Gambia. Fans argued that foreign-based players, including Olunga, underperformed compared to those who had impressed in CHAN 2024. Many felt that the players who shone in CHAN should have been given more starting opportunities in the qualifier.
