Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry lauds charges for good international outing

Three Gor Mahia players were in action over the just concluded international break as the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifiers took center stage across the vast continent.

Rooney Onyango earned his second Harambee Stars call up, and went ahead to score his first goal for the national side in the 5-0 drubbing of Seychelles on Monday in Ivory Coast.

The defender gave a good account of himself on his debut for the coach Engin Firat side in a 2-2 draw against Russia in a friendly match in November.

His confidence in the national colors has since skyrocketed, capping it with a goal against the Islanders.

PLAYER RATINGS: Rooney Onyango's brilliance evident as Harambee Stars secure commanding win over Seychelles

His K'Ogalo counterpart and the current leading Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) top scorer with seven goals Benson Omala also scored in the game against Seychelles after being set up by Rooney.

Omala was recalled to Stars after a period in the cold that saw fans demand for his inclusion in the team.

The goal is expected to ease pressure on him ahead of future international duty.

On the other hand, Gor Mahia defender Patrick Sibomana featured for Rwanda's Amavubi as they held Zimbabwe to a barren draw and beat South Africa 2-0, also in the World Cup qualifiers.

"It was a good week for Gor Mahia players in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Congratulations to them and we look forward to welcoming them back in training tomorrow (Thursday) as we prepare to resume the FKF Premier League this weekend," McKinstry said.

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The focus now shifts to the FKF Premier League where K'Ogalo who are the defending champions are slated to face strugglers Muhoroni Youth at Raila Odinga Homabay County Stadium on Saturday.

McKinstry will be under immense pressure to produce positive results after going three games without a win or a goal.