Harambee Stars Hammer Seychelles in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as Michael Olunga Nears Kenya’s All-Time Top Scorers Record

Harambee Stars put up a spirited fight to secure a 5-0 win in their World Cup qualifier return-leg match against Seychelles at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani on Tuesday evening, September 9.

Harambee Stars beat Seychelles in the first leg of the qualifiers at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga netted a brace with Masoud Juma, Rooney Onyango and Benson Omala also scoring.

Benni McCarthy lined up with a three-man attack, pairing Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam alongside debutant Job Ochieng. Manzur Okwaro, and William Lenkupae were also on the starting lineup, with Brian Bwire as the goalkeeper.

The match started with Seychelles having two scoring opportunities against Harambee Stars, but Collins Sichenje was on the lookout. Harambee Stars also had two scoring opportunities in the third minute, but they were not quick to respond.

Job Ochieng also had another scoring opportunity in the fifth minute but did not manage to find the back of the net as his rival was on his toes. He was instead awarded a free kick at the edge of the box which Ryan Ogam capitalised on and placed Kenya in the lead in the seventh minute.

In the eighth minute, Harambee Stars threatened again when William Lenkupae launched a long ball to Michael Olunga, who set up Ryan Ogam, but a quick-reacting Seychelles defender produced a crucial block to deny him.

Job Ochieng also came close to scoring when his effort was blocked by a defender and deflected for a corner, but the resulting set-piece failed to yield any danger.

Seychelles responded with a dangerous attack in the 14th minute, but Collins Sichenje made a vital intervention to deny them. Moments later, one of their forwards unleashed a powerful strike from nearly 30 yards out, only for the goalkeeper to pull off a crucial save.

William Lenkupae came close to doubling Harambee Stars' lead when he found himself just a few meters from the goalkeeper, but his effort was thwarted by the keeper’s quick reflexes.

In the 30th minute, Rooney Onyango was brought down by a rough challenge, and Manzur Okwaro stepped up to take the free kick. However, his delivery lacked precision, allowing the goalkeeper to react quickly. Job Ochieng attempted to follow up, but the chance slipped away.

However, a few minutes later, a free kick was awarded to Harambee Stars and Collins Sichenje found the back of the net in the 35th minute. In the 38th minute, Harambee Stars were awarded another free kick, and just when it seemed the chance had gone, Ryan Ogam rose highest to head the ball into the net, extending the lead to 3-0.

Just before halftime, Ryan Ogam nearly found the net again, missing by the slightest of margins. Moments later, he was brought down in the box, earning Harambee Stars a penalty. Captain Michael Olunga stepped up and calmly converted to extend the lead just before the break.

The second half started with the same intensity as the first half, with Harambee Stars looking to add other goals to their three and Seychelles hunting for their first victory.

Seychelles were handed a corner kick and saw it as a chance to claw their way back into the game, but Harambee Stars stood firm. The delivery was met with a solid defensive wall, as the Kenyan backline cleared the danger with composure, denying Seychelles any real opportunity to threaten.

Harambee Stars then responded, but William Lenkupae missed a crucial pass. Job Ochieng also secured another opportunity to add another goal but was met by Seychelles' solid defense, forcing him to rethink his choices.

Another chance for William Lenkupae to play came, with Manzur Okwaro passing a long shot but the ball was too fast for the Vaasan Palloseura star.

In the 57th minute, Benni McCarthy made some changes in his squad, substituting William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, and Duke Abuya for Ben Stanley Omondi, Boniface Muchiri, and Marvin Nabwire.

A free kick was awarded to Boniface Muchiri in the 62nd minute, but the Seychelles goalkeeper was on standby, decisively diverting the ball to show he was in control.

The Al Arabi striker Michael Olunga struck again in the 66th minute to seal his brace, moving to 34 goals , just two shy of Kenya’s all-time top scorer William Ouma.

Lewis Bandi and Michael Kibwage the went on for Michael Olunga and Rooney Onyango as the match gathered pace.

Harambee Stars maintained their dominant display, seizing the chance to redeem themselves after the 3-1 setback against The Gambia.