Harambee Stars' match winner, Ogam, praises McCarthy for placing trust in him after 'difficult' spell

Harambee Stars hero Ryan Ogam said it was an “honor” to be on the scoresheet once again for Kenya as they beat Zambia 1-0 in an all-important Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) Group A tie at the Moi International Sports Centre - Kasarani on Sunday, 17 August.

Ogam, for the second consecutive time, emerged as the game winner for Harambee Stars, as he came up with the winner for Benni McCarthy’s side, which meant that they secured top spot in their group, as well as securing a home tie for their upcoming quarterfinal against Madagascar scheduled for Friday, 22 August.

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Midway through the second-half of the edgy contest against The Chipolopolo, Ogam rifled in a fine pass from substitute Boniface Muchiri in to secure his second goal in the championship, coming exactly a week after grabbing a crucial strike against Morocco at the same venue.

“Its an honor today, helping the team secure the three points, and I guess this is the reward,” Ogam said, referencing the man-of-the-match trophy, which was handed to him at full time.

Ogam, who set himself a target of winning the competition’s golden boot, is on a journey many did not see coming, having gone through a disappointing spell at the end of the 2024-2025 FKF Premier League season.

On course to claiming the golden boot in his debut season in the top-flight, the youngster suffered a nasty knee injury that kept him out of the game for four months, intertwined by failed transfers abroad.

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The Tusker man, now the talk of town in the national team, spoke of the aforementioned spell, saying: “It was a difficult season for me I would say, but then it was a learning process.

Throughout the injury, my mentality was to come back and play CHAN, and I thank God for this time.”

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In his post-match comments Ogam also took a moment to thank coach McCarthy for selecting him to the team despite missing the final months of the season, and his influence towards his growth as a striker.

“I praise the coach for giving me the chance to be here, and being part of the team,” the 20-year-old said. “It is a great feeling for any player, and maybe I was lucky to be part of it, or maybe I deserved it.”

Referring to McCarthy, the Tusker man added: “This man here, I thank him so much, because he is helping us a lot, integrating us as a team, and I would say because he was a key striker too, he is pushing me to get back to my levels, and even more.”