Harambee Stars forward Job Ochieng featured for Spanish side Real Sociedad as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.
Ochieng started the match at Den Dreef Stadium in Leuven, Belgium, as Real Sociedad searched for their first victory in the competition after losing 2-1 to Bournemouth in their opening fixture.
The Kenyan international played a key role in the visitors’ attacking setup before making way for Pablo Marín in the 79th minute, according to the match timeline. However, Real Sociedad were unable to hold on to their advantage, conceding a late equaliser to settle for a point.
The first half ended goalless, with Union Saint-Gilloise creating the better chances. The Belgian side threatened early, with Massire Sylla hitting the woodwork as they put the Spanish visitors under pressure.
Real Sociedad made a change at half-time, introducing Beñat Turrientes for Yangel Herrera, and the substitution paid off almost immediately.
Turrientes broke the deadlock in the 46th minute, putting Real Sociedad ahead with a right-footed finish after capitalising on a defensive mistake by the hosts. The goal gave the Spanish side a much-needed advantage as they looked to secure their first three points in the competition.
Union Saint-Gilloise responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, forcing Real Sociedad to defend for long spells. The visitors made further changes in the second half, with Takefusa Kubo replacing Luka Sučić in the 68th minute.
Mamadou Sarr was booked in the 74th minute as the contest grew increasingly competitive, while Real Sociedad introduced Ander Barrenetxea and Pablo Marín in the 79th minute, replacing Gonçalo Guedes and Ochieng respectively.
ALSO READ: Job Ochieng registers third La Liga assist in Real Sociedad’s dramatic win
The hosts continued to apply pressure and eventually found their breakthrough late in the game. Substitute Sekou Keita, who came on for Mateo Biondic in the 84th minute, scored in the 88th minute to restore parity for Union Saint-Gilloise.
Keita finished from close range after the ball was redirected into a dangerous area following a set-piece delivery, punishing Real Sociedad for failing to deal with the threat.
Real Sociedad made one final substitution in stoppage time, with Orri Óskarsson replacing captain Mikel Oyarzabal in the 90+2nd minute, but neither side could find a winner before the final whistle.
The result left Real Sociedad still searching for their first win in the Europa League after two matches, having collected just one point from their opening fixtures.
For Ochieng, the start against Union Saint-Gilloise offered another opportunity to gain valuable experience at European level as he continues his development with the Spanish club.
The Harambee Stars forward will now hope to build on his involvement as Real Sociedad turn their attention to their upcoming fixtures in both domestic and European competition.