Arnold Origi urges McCarthy to stick with strikers Olunga, Ogam for Kenya

Former Kenya national team goalkeeper Arnold Origi has called on coach Benni McCarthy to maintain the partnership of Michael Olunga and youngster Ryan Ogam for Harambee Stars next assignments.

Olunga, and Ogam led the line against Seychelles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, as Kenya won 5-0 at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday. Olunga scored a brace while Ogam chipped in with another two goals as Kenya run riot in their final home fixture of the qualifiers.

Against Gambia, despite losing 3-1, it was Ogam, who scored the only goal, Ogam was also instrumental during the CHAN, scoring vital goals in wins against Morocco and Zambia as Kenya reached the knockout stages with an unbeaten record.

According to Origi, playing Olunga alongside Ogam will bring a deadly combination that can make Kenya a feared footballing nation in East Africa.

“The rise of Ryan (Ogam), doesn’t have to be the end of Michael (Olunga) at the national team,” Origi, who played 45 international matches for Kenya, told Flashscore. “If anything, this could be a striking partnership that could bring out both theirs and the national team’s full potential.”

Origi, whose uncle Mike Origi was a professional footballer in Belgium, and  his cousin Divock Origi plays for AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A as well as the Belgium national team, added: “As a result of Olunga’s performances at the international and club level, opponents pay close attention to him, and the way Ogam has entered the stage, it will be foolish for any opposition not to respect his qualities and threat and also pay close attention to him.

“So, Olunga and Ogam playing together will definitely free up space for the other, and if the opponents decides to pay close attention to both of them, then that will mean free space and free players elsewhere, which effectively might turn the Harambee Stars into a more dominant, difficult football team in Africa to play against.”

He concluded: “Olunga and Ogam partnership could mean happy days for the Harambee Stars, and we fans of Harambee Stars will be the happiest lot.

Kenya will conclude their qualifiers with away matches against Burundi and African champions Ivory Coast.

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