Kenyan strikers experienced contrasting fortunes abroad over the weekend, with Michael Olunga returning to goal-scoring form, Ryan Ogam watching from the bench, and Jonah Ayunga enduring a tough defeat.
Michael Olunga was back among the goals for Al Arabi in the Qatar Stars League as his side claimed a 3-1 away victory over Al Sadd on Saturday. The Harambee Stars captain equalised for his team in the 43rd minute after Al Sadd had taken the lead through Akram Afif. The tall Kenyan striker showed his trademark aerial prowess, rising highest to head home a cross from the right flank for his third goal of the season.
Al Arabi went on to add two more goals, sealing their third consecutive win across all competitions. The result lifted them to seventh place in the league standings, with seven points from two matches, as they continue to build momentum early in the campaign.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, Jonah Ayunga had a challenging outing with St Mirren as they went down 3-1 to Dundee United. The Kenyan forward started for Steve Robinson’s side and was part of a strong first-half display that saw them take the lead in the 18th minute through Dan Nlundulu. However, the hosts equalised just before halftime through Zac Sapsford.
The turning point came late in the match when Alex Gogic was sent off in the 83rd minute, reducing St Mirren to ten men. Dundee United capitalised immediately, scoring from the resulting penalty before Craig Sibbald added a third in stoppage time. The defeat left St Mirren without a win in their last three matches, slipping to ninth in the Scottish Premiership table.
Elsewhere, in Austria, Ryan Ogam was an unused substitute for Wolfsberger AC for the second consecutive match. His team managed a crucial 3-1 away victory against league leaders Sturm Graz, keeping them firmly in the title race. The win lifted Wolfsberger to fourth position on 20 points from 11 matches, just one point behind the top spot.
It was a weekend of mixed emotions for Kenyan players abroad, as Olunga rediscovered his scoring touch, Ogam continued to wait for his chance, and Ayunga’s struggles persisted with St Mirren.
