Kenyan Stars Abroad: Tyler Onyango Helps Stockport to FA Cup Win as Zak Vyner Endures Torrid Weekend in Stoke City

Kenyan midfielder Tyler Onyango played a pivotal role as Stockport County cruised into the next round of the FA Cup with a dominant 3-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon, while fellow Kenyan prospect Zak Vyner endured a nightmare weekend in the Championship, as Bristol City suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat away to Stoke City.

Stockport’s victory came courtesy of second-half strikes from Jack Diamond, Oliver Norwood, and Nathan Lowe, sealing progression for Dave Challinor’s side in front of a jubilant away crowd.

The visitors began brightly, pressing Tranmere into early mistakes. Charlie Whitaker nearly put Stockport ahead in the seventh minute, firing narrowly wide after being played through on goal. Onyango, who operated in central midfield, was instrumental in dictating play, using his composure and passing range to maintain tempo and stretch the Rovers’ defense.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Stockport continued to threaten, with Kyle Wootton going close from the edge of the area before half-time. At the other end, Tranmere’s Jayden Fevrier forced a fine save from Jack Barrett, keeping the contest finely balanced.

After the interval, Stockport’s persistence paid off. In the 55th minute, Diamond broke the deadlock with a well-placed strike from 20 yards. Tranmere briefly drew level in the 71st minute when Omari Patrick finished neatly from Cameron Norman’s cross, but Norwood’s clever free-kick 10 minutes later restored the visitors’ lead.

Substitute Nathan Lowe added a third in stoppage time to seal the result and ensure Stockport’s name will be in Monday’s FA Cup draw.

The performance was another strong showing for Onyango, who continues to impress since joining the League Two leaders from Everton’s academy. His composure under pressure and ability to link play have drawn praise from the club’s coaching staff, further fueling discussion about his international future with Kenya’s Harambee Stars.

While Onyango celebrated, Zak Vyner endured a difficult afternoon as Bristol City were outclassed in a 5-1 drubbing by Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.

The hosts flew out of the blocks, opening the scoring in the fourth minute through Junior Tchamadeu’s cross, which was finished emphatically by Divin Mubama. Vyner, operating in central defense, was left exposed as Stoke’s fluid attacking trio repeatedly found gaps in the City backline.

Goalkeeper Radek Vítek’s handling error gifted Mubama a second goal in the 22nd minute before Million Manhoef added a third with a precise finish. Despite a strong effort from Anis Mehmeti before half-time, City went into the break three goals down.

Stoke continued their onslaught in the second half as Tchamadeu made it 4-0 before Mubama completed his hat-trick in the 67th minute. City pulled one back late through Mark Sykes, but it was little consolation on a day to forget.

For Vyner — who recently set a Bristol City Championship appearance record (220 matches) — it was a frustrating outing amid a tough run of form for the Robins.