Ryan Ogam relishes growth under McCarthy’s Harambee Stars setup
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 14.10.25. | 19:09
The young striker first caught national attention during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he netted two goals in the continental tournament
Wolfsberger AC striker Ryan Ogam has opened up on his experience with the national football team, Harambee Stars, under head coach Benni McCarthy.
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Speaking ahead of Kenya’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Ivory Coast on Tuesday, 14 October, the Austrian-based forward also said earning a national team call-up remains one of his proudest moments.
Kenya, already out of contention for a World Cup slot, heads into the clash in Abidjan buoyed by their morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Burundi on Thursday, 9 October.
Ogam revealed that every national team camp presents an opportunity to improve his game and grow as a professional.
“It is a huge pleasure to don the national team colours.
The jersey comes with its own weight of responsibility as we represent millions of Kenyans, so to me it is a great honour, and I am committed to giving my best every time I get the opportunity,” he said.
The young striker first caught national attention during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he netted two goals in the continental tournament.
He has since carried that form into the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, scoring three goals in his last four appearances, a run he hopes to extend against the reigning African champions.
“I’m lucky to play alongside players who inspire me. You can have the favour of scoring goals, but getting the chance to do so for your country means a lot. I just hope to keep the form going,” he added.
Alongside captain Michael Olunga, Ogam has emerged as one of Kenya’s brightest prospects in the McCarthy-led campaign.
Few had heard of the young attacker when the qualifiers kicked off in 2024, but his steady rise from a promising Tusker talent to a European-based forward has been a testament to his determination and work ethic.
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Ogam has now scored six goals in eight appearances for Harambee Stars and finished as the team’s joint-top scorer at the 2024 CHAN tournament held in August.
“From my early days at Tusker to where I am now, it has been about hard work and belief. Every call-up reminds me how far I’ve come and how much more I can still give,” he reflected.
