Ryan Ogam has reflected on the increasing expectations surrounding him as he grows into a more prominent role within the Harambee Stars setup. His comments come in the aftermath of Kenya’s tough 8-0 loss to Senegal, a result that sparked conversations about the national team’s rebuilding process and individual performances.
Kenya found themselves on the back foot early in the match, with Senegal displaying dominance from kickoff to the final whistle. Sadio Mane delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick with goals in the 17th, 31st (penalty), and 35th minutes. Nicolas Jackson added two quick goals in the ninth and 15th minutes, while Malick Diouf, Ibrahima Mbaye, and Cheikhou Ndiaye also added their names to the scoresheet.
Speaking ahead of the team’s trip to Turkey for two friendly matches, Ogam acknowledged that being in the spotlight naturally comes with heightened expectations. He said the constant scrutiny is something he has learned to embrace rather than fear.
According to the forward, the attention from fans and analysts signals belief in his potential. He noted that while pressure is inevitable, he chooses to view it as positive motivation to push harder and deliver strong performances for both club and country. Ogam added that his objective is to always give his full effort whenever he steps on the pitch.
Ogam’s rise within the national team accelerated after his impressive outing at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). He delivered two crucial goals in the group stage, including a stunning strike against Morocco and a decisive winner against Zambia. These performances helped Kenya top Group A and drew significant attention from European scouts.
His breakout tournament culminated in a major career move in September 2025 when he signed for Wolfsberger AC in the Austrian Bundesliga. Despite securing the transfer early, he remained available for national duty during World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles before officially linking up with his new club.
He continues to be part of the Harambee Stars setup and was included in the squad for international friendlies against Senegal and Equatorial Guinea. As he navigates new responsibilities both domestically and internationally, Ogam remains focused on growth, consistency, and contributing positively to the team’s rebuild under the new technical direction.
