Michael Olunga, captain of the Kenya national team, has equalled William Ouma’s goals record by converting a penalty against South Africa. On Tuesday in Nairobi, one goal would be enough to make him the outright top scorer in Harambee Stars history.
On Saturday, Kenya and South Africa drew 2-2. Michael Olunga, the striker and international captain, converted a penalty in the 42nd minute to make it 1-1. Ryan Ogam, an international striker at RFC Liège, scored the goal that made it 2-2 in the 90th minute.
That penalty is Olunga’s 35th goal for the Harambee Stars, according to Kickoff.com, which puts him level with William Ouma’s record. On Tuesday 17 November 2026, at 18:00 CAT (20:00 in Paris), in matchday 4 of Group D, a single goal would be enough for the captain to move ahead of every other scorer in Kenya’s history.
A record within reach
In the Group D standings, Kenya are 3rd with 2 points. Qualification is not at stake: the Harambee Stars are already assured of playing at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, according to SuperSport. What remains is Olunga’s personal statistic, which Tuesday’s match could tip.
Head coach Benni McCarthy describes a player who accepts travel and international breaks instead of resting. “At his age, you might think he needs rest and shouldn’t be subjected to the trips, but when he comes, what he brings to training and the way he pushes himself… He is dedicated and wants to leave a legacy for his country,” he told K24.digital. “When a captain does that, it becomes easier to convince the others.”
Two goals and a draw judged deserved
The match swung back and forth several times. Amos Wanjala scored an own goal in the 8th minute, giving South Africa the lead, before Olunga’s penalty equalised. In the 77th minute, Relebohile Mofokeng, named man of the match, restored South Africa’s lead, which Ryan Ogam cancelled out in the 90th minute.
Benni McCarthy switched his team to a back three to counter South Africa. “At the end of the day, I think it was a deserved draw for both teams,” he told Africa Top Sports.
Mosimane rues missed chances
On the South African side, head coach Pitso Mosimane rued the chances missed. “Football tells you it’s not about possession, it’s not about the number of chances you create: it’s about the ones you take,” he told SuperSport.
Zak Vyner (Wrexham) had missed the reverse fixture because of an administrative issue and could start on Tuesday in Nairobi.