Michael Olunga Makes History as Kenya’s All-Time Leading Goalscorer Record Comes Within Reach After 49 Years

Harambee Stars captain Michael Ogada Olunga has etched his name into Kenyan football history after equalling William ‘Chege’ Ouma’s long-standing international goalscoring record of 35 goals, which had stood for 49 years.

The Al-Duhail striker reached the historic milestone during Kenya’s international encounter against South Africa at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 13 November 2026.

Olunga calmly converted a 44th-minute penalty to bring Harambee Stars level at 1-1 against Bafana Bafana, taking his international goalscoring tally to 35 and drawing level with one of the most remarkable records in Kenyan football history.

The achievement marks a significant moment for Kenyan football, with Olunga now sharing the distinction of being the country's all-time leading international goalscorer with the legendary Ouma.

Ouma's record had remained untouched since 1977, when his international career came to an end. For nearly five decades, no Kenyan player had managed to match his impressive tally, underlining the magnitude of Olunga's accomplishment.

Interestingly, Olunga's journey to this historic achievement began more than 11 years ago when he made his international debut for Kenya against Seychelles on 28 March 2015.

Just over two months later, on 7 June 2015, he registered his first international goal in a 2-0 friendly victory over South Sudan at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

Since then, the forward has developed into one of Kenya's most influential footballers, consistently leading the national team's attacking line and delivering important contributions on the international stage.

His goalscoring consistency, leadership qualities and commitment to the national team have helped establish him as a central figure in Kenyan football.

Reaching 35 international goals is not only a personal achievement for the Harambee Stars captain but also a moment of immense pride for the country's football supporters, who have followed his journey from an emerging international talent to a record-equalling national icon.

With the record now equalled, attention will inevitably turn to whether Olunga can score another goal and move ahead of Ouma to become Kenya's outright all-time leading international goalscorer.

For now, the 32-year-old has secured his place alongside one of the country's greatest football legends.

After 49 years, William ‘Chege’ Ouma's remarkable record has finally been matched. And with Olunga still leading the Harambee Stars attack, Kenyan football could soon witness the end of a historic goalscoring era and the beginning of a new record.

Source:https://x.com/Dollar__SM/status/2121284861298184503?a=96bYqkHakYdo00Hcodk&s=19