Olunga heaps praise on Kenya striker Ryan Ogam after CHAN exploits

Kenya national team captain Michael Olunga has backed striker Ryan Ogam for great heights following his impressive show for Harambee Stars during the just-concluded TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) in East Africa.

The 20-year-old Tusker forward led the way for Harambee Stars as they reached the knockout stages of the CHAN on their debut campaign before going out to Madagascar following a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat.

Ogam scored to help Kenya defeat two-time CHAN champions Morocco 1-0 and also found the back of the net in the 1-0 Group A victory against Zambia. In the quarterfinals, he scored against Madagascar but his effort was ruled out following a foul which had been committed before he pulled the trigger.

Olunga, who has already arrived in residential camp in readiness for Kenya’s 2026 FiFA World Cup qualifiers, believes that Ogam has what it takes to go far in his career.

“Ryan is a player of very good quality, and you could see that in his performance for the national team, just like any other player who was given the opportunity,” Olunga told the media in Kenya’s training camp as quoted by Pulse Sports.

“This is what we need. It’s a good moment and also an opportunity for other players to showcase their skills. We’ll work together to get the best out of each other, and that is in the best interest of the country.”

Ogam will hope to partner Olunga against Gambia and Seychelles.

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