Stars Abroad: Okoth announces himself in Europe as Odada, Harper deliver again
Reading Time: 4min | Sun. 01.02.26. | 13:15
Elsewhere, in Spain, Aldrine Kibet was an unused substitute as Celta B defeated Unionistas 2-0 in a Primera Federación Group 1 fixture
Harambee Stars and Rising Stars striker Lawrence Okoth Ouma wasted no time announcing his arrival in Europe, delivering a goal and an assist on his full debut as SJK Akatemia edged FC Haka 2-1 in the Finnish Ykkösliiga Cup at the WallSport-Areena in Seinäjoki on Saturday evening.
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Making his first start since completing his move from National Super League (NSL) outfit Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), Okoth opened the scoring in the 11th minute after SJK launched a swift attack down the right flank.
A low ball driven into the danger area took a slight deflection before beating goalkeeper Anton Lepola, handing the Kenyan forward a dream start.
SJK’s dominance eventually met resistance late in the first half when FC Haka found an equalizer.
Jesper Karlsson reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box before being fouled, prompting referee Henrik Sandmark to award a penalty.
Torfiq Ali-Abubakar calmly dispatched the spot kick into the right corner to level matters.
Okoth was again decisive after the break, turning provider in the 63rd minute when he teed up Aatu Piironen, whose finish restored SJK’s lead.
The striker later picked up a stoppage-time yellow card to complete a memorable full debut.
The victory leaves SJK Akatemia joint top of Group B with three points after the opening round, with Okoth already sitting among the competition’s early top scorers.
He has now featured in six matches for the club since his transfer from MOFA.
Harper features as Walsall fight back in promotion battle
Kenyan international Vincent Harper put in another industrious shift as Walsall mounted a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 away to Chesterfield after trailing 2-0 in the first half.
Chesterfield raced into an early lead through Will Grigg, who scored in the 13th minute after following up his saved effort from a Tom Pearce cross.
Dilan Markanday doubled the advantage seven minutes later after winning possession and finishing clinically past Myles Roberts.
Walsall pulled one back just before the break when Daniel Kanu powered home a header from Connor Barrett’s cross.
The visitors completed the comeback on the hour mark as substitute Albert Adomah struck from close range following a headed knock-down by Kanu.
Operating in a 3-5-2 system, Harper was influential down the left flank, producing a commanding all-round display.
He registered nine defensive contributions, won all four tackles, made three interceptions and four clearances, and dominated duels, winning seven of 10 ground battles and six of seven aerial contests.
The result leaves Chesterfield eighth, four points and one place below seventh-placed Walsall, who remain firmly in the promotion mix.
𝗞𝗶𝗰𝗸-𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 📈
— Walsall FC (@WFCOfficial) January 31, 2026
DK nodding home his 15th goal in all competitions 🙌 pic.twitter.com/U95Lb4K5ks
Odada clocks full minutes as UTA Arad closes in on playoffs
In Romania, Harambee Stars midfielder Richard Odada completed the full 90 minutes as UTA Arad returned to winning ways with a vital 1-0 away victory over FC Argeș Pitești in round 24 of the Superliga.
The tightly contested encounter was settled in the 67th minute by Marius Coman, a result that lifted UTA Arad to sixth place on 38 points, level with FC Botoșani and just two points behind Argeș in the race for a Top Six finish.
Odada delivered an impressive all-action performance in midfield, completing 22 of 34 passes for a 65 percent accuracy rate.
He made two key passes, completed nine accurate passes in the opposition half, and showed his defensive steel with 14 defensive actions.
The former Leopards midfielder won six of seven aerial duels, claimed seven ground duels, made three interceptions and eight clearances, and added four recoveries in a dominant showing.
Odada has now featured in every UTA Arad match since receiving his ITC clearance at the end of November 2025, showing his growing importance to the Romanian side as they push for playoff qualification.
Elsewhere, in Spain, Aldrine Kibet was an unused substitute as Celta B defeated Unionistas 2-0 in a Primera Federación Group 1 fixture. In England, Clarke Oduor also remained on the bench as Grimsby Town drew 2-2 with MK Dons.
