Stars Abroad: Omar on the verge of promotion as Wanyama stars

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama opened his account in the season opener against Toronto FC while Abud Omar started as Ionikos edge closer to promotion in Greece.

Abud Omar

Harambee Stars international defender Abud Omar has increased his chances of earning himself promotion to the Greek top-tier league after his Ionikos side, which plies its trade in the second-tier, won 1-2 in their penultimate match of the season against Levadiakos.

The match, played at the Levadia Stadium, saw the home team take the lead in the 8th minute through Lucas Poletto Costa but Ionokos scored two goals in the second half to stage a successful comeback.

Lefteris Matsoukas scored the equalizer in the 58th minute before Georgios Manalis completed the turnaround in the 81st minute. That win ensured Ionokos remain at the top of the standings on 46 points with an unassailable point gap difference as only two matches remain maximum. Ionokos will now head into the promotion group as they seek to get into the top league.

Victor Wanyama

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama got his 2021 MLS season to a perfect start as he scored one goal in his side’s – CF Montreal – 4-2 demolition of Toronto FC in the season-opening fixture.

Mason Toye grabbed the opening goal in the 3rd minute after a cool finish from just inside the box. Romell Quioto then chased down a through pass before slamming emphatically into the back of the net in the 24th minute. Marco Delgado would pull one back for the visitors in the 45th minute from the penalty spot.

The third goal for Montreal came courtesy of the African connection. Ugandan Mustafa Kizza floated in a corner deep into the back post and Wanyama rose highest to extend the tally to three in the 55th minute. Djordje Mihailovic made it four in the 71st minute before Richie Laryea added a second for Toronto in the 88th minute.

Farouk Shikhalo

Former Bandari FC goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo started between the posts when Yanga returned to winning ways after a three-match winless run with a 1-0 win over Biashara Mara United in the Tanzanian top league. Yacouba Songne scored the solitary winning goal in the 58th minute in the match played at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.

Ismail Athuman Gonzalez

The midfielder again an unused substitute as his Las Palmas side drew 1-1 with Malaga in Spain’s La Liga 2.

Hashim Ali

Mombasa born and raised Hashim Ali was also an unused substitute as his Al Sadd side were swept aside 3-1 by Al-Nassr in the group stage match of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League currently taking place in Jeddah.