Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam is hopeful that his impressive performance against Estonia in the 2026 FIFA Series in Kigali, Rwanda, can mark a turning point in his young career after a difficult start to life in European football.
The former Rainbow FC forward earned a high-profile move to Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC from SportPesa League outfit Tusker FC following a brilliant season that also saw him shine for Harambee Stars during the African Nations Championship (CHAN), where Kenya reached the quarter-finals in their maiden appearance.
The move to Europe was widely seen as a major step in the 20-year-old striker’s career, with many Kenyan football fans expecting him to quickly establish himself at the top level.
However, the European dream has not gone as smoothly as anticipated. Limited playing time with Wolfsberger AC’s senior team and a change in the club’s technical bench forced Ogam to return to the reserve side in search of regular minutes as he continues to adapt to the demands of European football and the intensity of the Austrian league.
Despite the challenges, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy maintained faith in the young striker, handing him a call-up for the FIFA Series tournament in Kigali. Ogam repaid that trust by scoring Kenya’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Estonia before the team narrowly lost 5-4 in the penalty shootout.
Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam explains why Estonia performance is a turning point in his career
Speaking to Sportpesa Blog after the match, Ogam expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly in the second half where Harambee Stars showed improved energy and control.
“We played well especially in the second half, moving the ball quickly as per the instructions and we scored, so it has been a good game though the penalty kicks were a bit of hard luck,” said Ogam.
Kenya looked much more organized after the break, responding well after conceding in the first half. Ogam attributed the improvement to increased energy levels and better execution of tactical instructions.
“The difference was on the energy levels, playing with a purpose as the tactics were right and everything was right, so it was all about putting in effort and playing with purpose and passion and that is what made the difference,” he added.
For Ogam, the goal against Estonia carries deeper meaning beyond the scoreboard. After enduring six challenging months in Europe, the striker believes the moment has given him renewed confidence and motivation.
“It is a great feeling, I thank God so much. It has been a long time, I have been in a difficult situation for the past six months, so I feel great. It is a great morale booster and gives me confidence for the upcoming matches for country and club, so I thank God even though the results did not go our way,” he said.
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The former Tusker forward also opened up about how he has managed to stay mentally and physically ready despite limited opportunities at club level.
“I think it is more about preparation. Even if one is going through a difficult time anything can change, so if it gets you when you are not ready then that is another situation, but if you are ready then it is well and good.
For me, I have been preparing hoping that one day a chance will come, and at least in the national team I have gotten the chance from the coach and I have repaid that loyalty,” Ogam explained.
With Harambee Stars now set to face Grenada in the third-place playoff at Amahoro Stadium, Ogam will be eager to build on his Estonia performance, hoping to end the FIFA Series on a high note with another strong display and possibly another goal as he continues his journey of rediscovery on the international stage.