Harambee Stars wonderkid nears La Liga debut after involvement in Sociedad win
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 26.01.26. | 09:24
It remains a major milestone in his journey toward becoming the third Kenyan, after McDonald Mariga and Michael Olunga, to feature in Spain’s top flight
Harambee Stars forward Job Ochieng took a significant step toward his La Liga debut on Sunday after he was named on the bench in Real Sociedad's 3–1 win over Celta Vigo.
Ochieng, who made his Harambee Stars debut last year, has been working his way up from Sociedad’s reserve team in search of a first-team breakthrough.
That opportunity edged closer on Sunday when he was included among the substitutes, although he did not come off the bench.
It remains a major milestone in his journey toward becoming the third Kenyan, after McDonald Mariga and Michael Olunga, to feature in Spain’s top flight.
On the pitch, Real Sociedad extended their unbeaten run to five matches and climbed into LaLiga’s top eight with the 3–1 victory at the Reale Arena.
The result also completed La Real’s first run of three consecutive league wins since March 2024.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 17th minute, fizzing home a left-footed daisy-cutter from distance for his second goal in as many games.
In first-half stoppage time, Sociedad defender Duje Caleta-Car was sent off after sliding into a challenge with his studs up, complicating matters for the hosts.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Sociedad managed to get the job done in the second half.
Borja Iglesias drew Celta level in the 72nd minute before Oyarzabal struck again to restore the hosts’ lead.
Brais Mendez then sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty.
Next for Sociedad is an away game against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars goalkeeper Brian Bwire started in goal for Polokwane City, as they suffered a 1–0 loss to Durban City FC in a South African top-tier clash staged at the Chatsworth Stadium.
The decisive goal was scored by Bokang Mokwena.
In Zambia, Kenyan keeper Levis Opiyo was among the substitutes, as his new club Zesco United lost 1–0 to Kaizer Chiefs in a CAF Confederation Cup clash.
Pule Mmodi scored the all-important goal in the second minute.
