Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has officially become the joint all-time leading goalscorer for Kenya’s national men’s football team, scoring a crucial first-half penalty in a thrilling 2-2 draw against South Africa on Friday night at Orlando Stadium.

Olunga’s 44th-minute spot-kick brought his international tally to 35 goals, equaling a 49-year-old record held by Kenyan football icon William “Chege” Ouma since 1977.

A historic strike

Playing in front of a lively crowd in the Group D 2027 Pamoja AFCON qualifiers clash, Kenya fell behind early after an unfortunate 9th-minute own goal by defender Amos Wanjala handed Bafana Bafana the lead.

However, coach Benni McCarthy’s side grew into the contest and found their lifeline just before the interval. After South African defender Thabang Matuludi handled the ball inside the box, Olunga stepped up under immense pressure and calmly sent goalkeeper Ronwen Williams the wrong way to level the match at 1-1.

The milestone strike caps an 11-year international journey for the Al-Arabi forward, who made his senior debut against Seychelles in March 2015 and has now hit the 35-goal mark in 70 appearances—surpassing former captain Dennis Oliech (34 goals) earlier in the campaign.

Late drama at Orlando Stadium

The second half delivered end-to-end action as both teams pushed for a winner. South Africa appeared to have secured all three points in the 77th minute when Relebohile Mofokeng fired past the Kenyan defense to make it 2-1.

Refusing to leave Johannesburg empty-handed, Harambee Stars mounted a late surge. Substitute Ryan Ogam became the hero of the night, scoring a brilliant solo equalizer in the dying minutes to rescue a well-earned point on the road.

Tributes Pour In

Following the final whistle, tributes flooded social media from teammates, fans, and football administrators celebrating the former Gor Mahia and Girona striker’s achievement. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed led the praise, hailing Olunga’s consistency, leadership, and dedication to the national badge over the past decade.

Eyes on Nyayo

While Kenya’s spot at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is already guaranteed as tournament co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Friday’s result lifts them to two points in Group D, behind leaders South Africa (seven points) and Guinea (six points).

Olunga will not have to wait long for a chance to claim the outright scoring record on home soil. Harambee Stars return to Nairobi to host Bafana Bafana in the Matchday 4 return leg at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, November 17, where a single goal will see the skipper stand alone at the summit of Kenyan football history.