Ryan Ogam and Michael Olunga both netted braces, while Collins Sichenje added his name to the scoresheet as Harambee Stars thrashed Seychelles in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier return leg.
Harambee Stars put up a spirited fight to secure a 5-0 win in their World Cup qualifier return-leg match against Seychelles at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani on Tuesday evening, September 9.
Harambee Stars beat Seychelles in the first leg of the qualifiers at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga netted a brace with Masoud Juma, Rooney Onyango and Benson Omala also scoring.
Benni McCarthy lined up with a three-man attack, pairing Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam alongside debutant Job Ochieng. Manzur Okwaro, and William Lenkupae were also on the starting lineup, with Brian Bwire as the goalkeeper.
The match started with Seychelles having two scoring opportunities against Harambee Stars, but Collins Sichenje was on the lookout. Harambee Stars also had two scoring opportunities in the third minute, but they were not quick to respond.
Job Ochieng also had another scoring opportunity in the fifth minute but did not manage to find the back of the net as his rival was on his toes. He was instead awarded a free kick at the edge of the box which Ryan Ogam capitalised on and placed Kenya in the lead in the seventh minute.
In the eighth minute, Harambee Stars threatened again when William Lenkupae launched a long ball to Michael Olunga, who set up Ryan Ogam, but a quick-reacting Seychelles defender produced a crucial block to deny him.
Job Ochieng also came close to scoring when his effort was blocked by a defender and deflected for a corner, but the resulting set-piece failed to yield any danger.
Seychelles responded with a dangerous attack in the 14th minute, but Collins Sichenje made a vital intervention to deny them. Moments later, one of their forwards unleashed a powerful strike from nearly 30 yards out, only for the goalkeeper to pull off a crucial save.
William Lenkupae came close to doubling Harambee Stars’ lead when he found himself just a few meters from the goalkeeper, but his effort was thwarted by the keeper’s quick reflexes.
