Kenya’s clash with Seychelles in the World Cup qualifiers is more than just another chance for the Harambee Stars to get back on track it could also mark a historic milestone for captain Michael Olunga.
After Friday’s disappointing 3-1 home loss to The Gambia, the spotlight turns to Nairobi, where Benni McCarthy’s side host a Seychelles team that has struggled throughout the qualifiers. With no wins, just two goals scored, and a staggering 34 conceded in seven matches, the island nation has become the soft target of Group F. Kenya themselves thrashed them 5-0 when the teams met in November 2023, a game in which Olunga scored twice but could easily have doubled his tally.
This encounter presents Olunga with the perfect chance to achieve two major objectives. First, to lead Kenya back to winning ways after the Gambia setback, and second, to write his name into the history books as the country’s all-time leading scorer.
Currently, Olunga sits fourth on Kenya’s scoring charts with 32 goals from 65 appearances. Ahead of him are Elijah Lidonde on 33, Dennis Oliech with 34, and the legendary William Ouma at the top with 35. This means the 31-year-old Al-Arabi striker is just three goals away from tying Ouma’s record and four from becoming Kenya’s outright top scorer.
Given Seychelles’ defensive struggles they have conceded three or more goals in nearly every qualifier—the odds are in Olunga’s favor. A brace would put him within touching distance of Ouma, while a hat-trick would either see him draw level or stand alone at the summit of Kenya’s scoring charts.
Olunga’s leadership has already been tested following the defeat to The Gambia, where he admitted the team must cut out costly mistakes. Now, he has the opportunity not only to redeem the Harambee Stars but also to etch his legacy in golden letters. For the striker who once starred for Gor Mahia and Tusker, a record-breaking performance against Seychelles would cement his place as Kenya’s ultimate marksman.
