Harambee Stars Abroad: Michael Olunga Features in Al Arabi Win as Zak Vyner Helps Bristol Dominate Hull City

Kenyan internationals were in action across Europe and the Middle East over the weekend, with striker Michael Olunga completing ninety minutes in Qatar while defender Zak Vyner helped Bristol City to an emphatic victory in England.

Here is a recap of action over some of them abroad.

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In Qatar, Michael Olunga played the full match as Al Arabi secured their first victory of the season, edging Umm Salal 3-2 in dramatic fashion on Friday. Al Arabi twice came from behind before sealing the win deep into stoppage time.

Goals from Wassim Kadari and Ahmed Moeen cancelled out strikes from Ghanaian Michael Baidoo and Moroccan Osama Tanan, setting up a tense finale. Frenchman Jordan Marcel Veretout delivered the decisive blow in the 99th minute, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.

The result lifted Al Arabi to four points after two rounds, placing them seventh in the standings, while Umm Salal dropped to eighth with three points from as many matches. Despite enjoying more possession, Umm Salal failed to capitalize on their opportunities and paid the price as Al Arabi struck late.

In England, Zak Vyner Onyego started at right centre-back for Bristol City as the Robins cruised past Hull City with a 4-2 win in the Championship. The visitors struck first inside three minutes when Joe Gelhardt dinked past goalkeeper Radek Vitek, but Bristol responded swiftly.

New signing Emil Riis levelled after good work from Ross McCrorie, before Anis Mehmeti turned the game around with a close-range finish. Riis grabbed his second just before half-time, dispossessing a Hull defender and slotting home to give the Robins a commanding lead at the break.

Bristol continued to dominate after the restart, with Max Bird adding a fourth from Mehmeti’s cross. Hull found a late consolation through Kyle Joseph in stoppage time, but it was not enough to deny Bristol their first home win of the season.

Elsewhere, Silko Thomas Otieno remained on the bench in Leicester City’s 4-2 win over Birmingham, while Tyler Onyango was unused in Everton’s 3-2 victory over Wolves. In Germany, Linton Maina did not feature as Cologne brushed aside Freiburg 4-1 to continue their strong start to the Bundesliga campaign.

In Scotland, Jonah Ayunga started for St Mirren in a 1-1 draw away to Hibernian. Miguel Freckleton put St Mirren ahead on the hour mark before Rocky Bushiri equalised for Hibs nine minutes later. The result extended St Mirren’s unbeaten run to four matches going into the international break.

In South Africa, Ian Otieno was an unused substitute as Richards Bay drew 0-0 with Mawele, while Brian Bwire featured as  Polokwane City forced a 1-1 draw with Marumo Gallants.

Following a tough first-half, Bheki Mabuza struck first to give Gallants the lead early in the second 45. Polokwane City dominated for much of the second stanza, as Bonginkosi Dlamini’s 62nd minute effort evened out the scoreboard.