Michael Olunga Shuts Critics with Brace, Inspires Harambee Stars to Big Win over Seychelles

Kenya’s Harambee Stars showed their fighting spirit on September 9, 2025, at Kasarani Stadium, closing out their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers with a dominant win over Seychelles. The star of the day was none other than captain Michael Olunga, who silenced doubters with a clinical brace that lifted the entire team and sent a strong message to fans and critics alike.

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Key Takeaways

• After facing fan backlash during Kenya’s tough loss to Gambia, Olunga bounced back with poise and clinical finishing.
• Olunga’s first goal was a composed penalty just before halftime, showing mental strength under pressure.
• The second goal featured sharp positioning and calm execution inside the box, completing a well-deserved brace.
• This brace took Olunga’s international tally to 34, tying him with Dennis Oliech as Kenya’s second highest all-time scorer.
• Harambee Stars showcased controlled attacking play and strong defensive discipline against a limited Seychelles side.
• The win, although in a dead rubber fixture, signals a positive rebuilding phase for Kenya’s national team.

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Match Highlights: Olunga Leads the Charge

Facing intense scrutiny after the demoralising defeat against Gambia and hostile crowd reactions, Olunga showed resilience. In the 45+5 minute stoppage time of the first half, Olunga calmly converted a well-earned penalty after Ryan Ogam was fouled in the box. His shot was precise, low and unchallengeable, extending Kenya’s lead and calming nerves.

In the second half, Olunga doubled his goals in the 67th minute after a slick passing move allowed him to find space inside the box and finish clinically past the goalkeeper. His brace not only secured the win, but it also inspired teammates and lifted the Harambee Stars’ fighting spirit on the pitch.

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Player Stats: Michael Olunga’s International Goal Tally

Rank	Player	Goals Scored	Appearances	Notes
1	William Ouma	35	66	Kenya’s all-time top scorer
2	Dennis Oliech	34	79	Former record holder
2	Michael Olunga	34	75	Currently tied for 2nd place
4	Elijah Lidonde	33	26	High goals per game ratio

Olunga is expected to surpass this tally as he continues to lead Harambee Stars.

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Match Stats Overview

Statistic	Kenya	Seychelles
Goals	5	0
Shots on Target	7	1
Possession (%)	65	35
Corners	6	1
Fouls	12	14
Yellow Cards	1	2

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Impact on Harambee Stars and Kenyan Football

Though Kenya was already out of the World Cup qualification race before this match, the victory offers hope and momentum for the team and fans. Olunga’s brace reminded everyone why he is the talisman of Kenyan football — a player with not just goal-scoring ability but resilience, leadership, and the mental toughness to rise above pressure.

Moving forward, Harambee Stars will need Olunga’s continued influence to spearhead their campaigns in upcoming regional and continental competitions.

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Final Thoughts

Michael Olunga’s performance against Seychelles was not merely about scoring goals; it was a clear statement of leadership, mental strength, and a call for Kenyans to rally behind their national team captain as they rebuild for future success. His unyielding commitment to Harambee Stars sets a powerful example for the generation of players and fans alike.