Olunga levels Oliech record as Kenya sink Seychelles in five star show
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Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 09.09.25. | 18:10
The former Gor Mahia forward struck twice, once just before the break (45’) and again in the 67th minute, bringing his international tally to 34 goals, level with legendary striker Dennis Oliech and just one behind record-holder William Ouma (35 goals)
Captain Michael Olunga etched his name deeper into Kenya’s football history books as Harambee Stars thrashed the Pirates of Seychelles 5–0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F qualifier at Kasarani on Tuesday, 6 September.
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Olunga struck twice, once just before the break (45th minute) and again in the 67th minute, bringing his international tally to 34 goals, level with legendary striker Dennis Oliech and just one behind record-holder William Ouma (35 goals).
The Al Arabi forward also surpassed Elijah Lidonde (33 goals) in the process.
Stars had already stamped their authority in the first half, racing to a 4–0 lead thanks to a Ryan Ogam brace (7’, 37’) and a Collins Sichenje header (35’), with Olunga converting a penalty to close the half.
The evening at Kasarani began on a high note as musician Iyanii belted out the Kenyan national anthem, igniting the stands with patriotic pride.
Center referee Ogabor Joseph Odey, flanked by his assistants Digbori Tejiri and Muhammad Muhamad Yakuba, blew the opening whistle with Seychelles taking the first kick at 4.01 pm.
Kenya eased into the game with a measured rhythm, knocking the ball around between midfield and defence like a band tuning its instruments.
In the third minute, Sichenje launched a long pass aiming for Olunga, but the timing was off as the ball went out of play.
Stars soon took command of the midfield, outmuscling the duo of Josip Ravignia and Imra Raheriniana. Their pressure bore fruit in the seventh minute.
A cross-field ball from Duke Abuya found Job Ochieng, who was bundled over by Don Fanchette just outside the penalty area at the far corner.
Abuya, cool and calculated, floated the ensuing free-kick into the box, where Ogam rose like a salmon to nod it home from close range.
That opener lit a fire under Benni McCarthy’s charges.
Two minutes later, Olunga spearheaded a breakaway that forced a desperate clearance from Seychelles defender Riaze Justin with Ochieng lurking dangerously.
Kenya bossed possession, a lion’s share of it, but found the final third a stubborn fortress to breach.
In the 16th minute, William Lenkupae danced past his marker and whipped a teasing ball to Ogam, only for the header to whisk past the post.
The Islanders began to grow into the game past the 20-minute mark, but their first real chance came in the 24th minute from a free-kick after Lenkupae fouled Labrose Brandon.
The effort, however, barely ruffled Brian Bwire’s gloves.
Frustration crept into Seychelles’ play, and the cards began to flow like confetti at a wedding.
Imra Raheriniana (27’), Vince Fred (30’), and captain Mothe Dean (32’) all went into the book for reckless fouls, as Kenya turned the screw.
Kenya’s persistence paid off again in the 35th minute.
Another Abuya delivery from a set piece found Sichenje, who thundered a header past Romoe Padayachy to double the lead.
Two minutes later (37’), Abuya weaved through the box, cracked a shot off the crossbar, and Ogam pounced on the rebound to make it 3–0.
Ogam came agonisingly close to a first-half hat-trick in the 45th minute when Rooney Onyango teed him up, but his curling effort flew wide.
As the clock ticked towards halftime, Ogam was felled in the box by Fanchette Don, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Up stepped Olunga, the captain, cool as ice, struck past the keeper to slot home Kenya’s fourth in the 45+1 minute.
The whistle soon followed, drawing curtains on a half where Kenya not only controlled proceedings but also rekindled the roar of Kasarani.
Second Half
Stars went into the break four goals to the good, with fans singing in unison and the dream of a statement win alive and well.
Seychelles returned for the second half with a double substitution, Walters Alfred and Cissoko Makhan coming in for Vince Fred and Riaze Justin, and briefly showed renewed energy.
But Stars quickly regained the steering wheel, pressing high and dictating tempo.
Lenkupae picked up Kenya’s first yellow card of the match in the 51st minute for a late challenge, but the hosts never lost their composure.
McCarthy injected fresh legs in the 58th minute, withdrawing the influential Abuya, who had provided two assists, along with Lenkupae and Job Ochieng.
On came Boniface Muchiri, Ben Stanley Omondi, and Marvin Nabwire.
Kenya’s fifth arrived in the 66th minute, a move straight out of the training ground.
From a quick throw-in on Suleiman Okwaro's flank, the ball zipped between red shirts.
Muchiri picked out Norway-based Onyango, who delivered a teasing cross that Olunga buried with a trademark header for his brace.
McCarthy then rested his captain, replacing Olunga with Mike Kibwage. Lewis Bandi replaced Rooney Onyango.
Seychelles responded with a triple substitution, attempting to keep the scoreline respectable, and though they stemmed the bleeding, the damage had long been done.
Kenya now sits fourth with nine points, while The Pirates remain bottom of Group F without a win in seven games.
