- Michael Olunga scored a brace as Harambee Stars dismantled Seychelles 5-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifiers clash on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
- The match was held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
- Red-hot Ryan Ogam also scored a brace while Collins Sichenje added the fifth goal for Kenya.
Michael Olunga is just two goals away from becoming the Harambee Stars all-time top scorer after he scored a brace to help Kenya dismantle a hapless Seychelles 5-0 in a dead-rubber 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.
Olunga now moves into second place on Kenya’s all-time scoring list with 34 goals, equaling Dennis Oliech and needing just two to surpass all-time record holder William Ouma who has 35.
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The victory not only ensured Benni McCarthy’s squad bounced back from a disappointing 3-1 defeat to The Gambia but also secured their second win in the qualifiers, completing a dominant double over the Pirates whom they had also thumped 5-0 in the reverse fixture in 2023.
Early goals set the tone for Harambee Stars commanding performance
It took the hosts just seven minutes to open the scoring through the red-hot Ryan Ogam, who finished a well-delivered free-kick by Yanga sensation winger Duke Abuya from the left flank. Ogam scored his second goal of the qualifiers, following his consolation strike against The Gambia.
Two minutes later, Kenya unleashed another attack.
Sylvester Owino spotted Michael Olunga on the right wing, who received the ball and swung in a cross towards the box. It nearly found Ogams foot to double the lead, but Elisha Riaz tackled to clear the danger.
The Pirates had a clear chance from a free-kick of their own but could not capitalize.
Kenya launched a rapid counter-attack where Olunga, leading the line, found William Lenkupae with a well-chipped cross; however, Lenkupae’s shot was deflected over the bar as Harambee Stars continued to dominate possession.
In the 35th minute, Kenya doubled their advantage from another set-piece, again expertly delivered by Abuya.
The opportunity came thanks to Job Ochieng, who was fouled on the right wing. Abuya’s perfect delivery found Collins Sichenje, who headed it home.
Before the crowd could even finish celebrating, Kenya made it three, with Ogam securing his brace.
He turned in a deflected shot from an Abuya effort, managing to poke the ball home from inside the area to extend the lead.
Just before halftime, Kenya could have had a fourth, but now former Tusker player Ogam missed the target, parrying the ball wide.
However, moments before the whistle, he won a penalty after being pushed in the box by Don Maxime Fanchette. Olunga stepped up to convert the spot-kick, securing the fourth goal for Harambee Stars before the break.
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Second half sees tactical changes and continued dominance by Harambee Stars
The first ten minutes of the second half did not produce any dangerous opportunities from either side, with a Harambee Stars free-kick outside the box coming to nothing.
McCarthy then made his first three changes, substituting William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, and Duke Abuya for Boniface Muchiri, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire, respectively.
Harambee Stars managed to run riot against a disorganized Pirates defense, which was never resolute.
Olunga grabbed his second of the day in the 67th minute, brilliantly heading in a superb cross from Rooney Onyango into the right corner to seal a five-goal thriller – a goal that secured Kenya’s second win in the qualifiers, despite the team already being out of World Cup contention.
Kenya vs Seychelles Lineups
Harambee Stars: Brian Bwire, Collins Sichenje, Silvester Owino, Manzur Okwaro, Rooney Onyango, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Ryan Odhiambo, Michael Olunga.
The Pirates: Robertson Padayachy, Justin Elisha Riaz, Don Maxime Fanchette, Mellie, Mothe, Vince Fred, Imra Raheriniaina, Josip Henry Ravignia, Lorenzo Hoareau, Jerron Joubert, Labrosse.