With Harambee Stars, head coach Sebastien Migne naming his squad for the upcoming 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt, Futaa looks at the profiles of the players who will represent Kenya in the continental showpiece.
Michael Olunga Ogada
DOB: March 26, 1994
Current Club: Kashiwa Reysol, Japan
Previous Clubs: GZ Hengfeng (China), Girona (Spain), Djugardens (Sweden), Gor Mahia (Kenya), Thika United (Kenya), Tusker FC (Kenya)
Olunga carries a heavy weight of expectation but the six goals he has scored for his club in eleven appearances this season suggest it isn’t affecting him too badly. A man of the big stage, the nation’s hopes of having goals rests on him.
Fear
There were brief fears he could miss the tournament after his club refused to release him for the showpiece but he arrived at the Stars camp after negotiations between the club and the Football Kenya Federation.
He is one player who has progressed so fast in his career and has never looked back in the national team fold since being handed his debut by Scotsman Bobby Williamson. From IF Djugardens to Laliga with Girona, Olunga has approved he will be ready for the big stage.
He arrives in AFCON as Stars main man in attack and should he get the required support around him, then he is expected to punish teams. His height gives him an edge over opposing defenders when it comes to heading the ball in the opposition net and not many strikers can fail to recognize his fierce left foot.
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