Harambee Stars hammer Seychelles in 5-0 rout
Kenya won the corresponding fixture 5-0 in Abidjan Ivory Coast on 20th November 2023 and they achieved a similar feat without too much stress at a vociferous Kasarani.
National team Harambee Stars benefited from a Ryan Ogam masterclass, to end their wait for a home win during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Ogam, Michael Olunga and Collins Sichenje were on the scoresheet as national team Harambee Stars bounced back from a disappointing loss to the Gambia with a 5-0 thrashing of island nation the Seychelles in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Tuesday.
Kenya won the corresponding fixture 5-0 in Abidjan Ivory Coast on 20th November 2023 and they achieved a similar feat without too much stress at a vociferous Kasarani.
Ogam, Olunga and Spain based Job Ochieng led the line for Benni McCarthy's men and the move bore fruit against the worst side in Group F of World Cup Qualifying. Seychelles have yet to win any match in the group and have zero points from eight matches played.
Ogam opened the scoring on seven minutes with a well placed freekick. Sichenje added a second on 35 minutes to double the lead, with the red hot Ogam sealing his brace three minutes later with a smart header.
Olunga scored his first of the day from the penalty spot following more great play from Ogam, who was taken down in the penalty area right before halftime.
The Harambee Stars captain made no mistake from the spot for a 4-0 halftime lead. He added a fifth on 66 minutes to extend his scoring streak to 34 goals. Dennis Oliech with 36, is Kenya's highest ever scorer.
Olunga will hope to break the record in October when the Stars regroup again for duty. The Stars face Burundi (Oct 6) and group leaders Ivory Coast (Oct 13) in their final group F matches.
The hero of the day though, was Ogam, who has made quite the impression since his exploits at the just ended African Nations Championships CHAN, where he scored important goals for the national team.
He has recently earned a move from Tusker FC to Austrian top flight side Wolfsberger AC and will be one to watch for the future.
"Ryan Ogam has the best person to learn from. The captain Michael Olunga, McCarthy said in the aftermath of the match at the Kasarani media centre.
“We’ve seen Ryan get a good move, and Alphonce (Omija) is on his way to Tunisia. These are the stories we want. Football must change lives. It’s not just about playing for 90 minutes,” added McCarthy.
Ivory Coast lead group F of the qualifiers with 20 points from eight matches played. Gabon are second with 19. The Gambia are third with 10 points, similar to Burundi. Harambee Stars have nine, with Seychelles having no points at all.
