Harambee Stars Abroad: Olunga Strikes in Qatar, Ayunga Nets Against Rangers, as Otieno Makes Leicester City Debut

Harambee Stars Abroad: Olunga Strikes in Qatar, Ayunga Nets Against Rangers, as Otieno Makes Leicester City Debut

Mark Kinyanjui 14:28 - 25.08.2025

A recap of how some Harambee Stars players performed over the weekend for various foreign-based clubs, including Michael Olunga and Jonah Ayunga, while another Kenyan prospect made his debut for Leicester.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga scored his second goal for the new season as Al-Arabi suffered a 2-1 defeat to Al-Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.

Olunga gave his side the lead in the 12th minute with a trademark finish, but the advantage didn’t last long. Spanish forward Joselu levelled for Al-Gharafa in the 26th minute, before former Porto man Yacine Brahimi sealed the comeback early in the second half.

The result leaves Al-Arabi with just a single point from their opening two matches, while Al-Gharafa continue their flawless start with six points out of six.

Ayunga Troubling Rangers Again

Harambee Stars Abroad: Olunga Strikes in Qatar, Ayunga Nets Against Rangers, as Otieno Makes Leicester City Debut

Ayunga Troubling Rangers Again In Scotland, Jonah Ayunga was on the scoresheet as St. Mirren held Rangers to a 1-1 draw at the SMiSA Stadium on Sunday.

The Kenya forward put St. Mirren ahead in the 31st minute, collecting a clever pass from Mikael Mandron before finishing past England goalkeeper Jack Butland. The strike marked St. Mirren’s first league goal of the season after a loss to Celtic and a goalless draw with Motherwell.

Ayunga, who also scored against Rangers last season, played 69 minutes before being substituted. Rangers equalised late through Findlay Curtis, denying the Saints a famous win.

Manager Stephen Robinson praised Ayunga’s energy but underlined the club’s need for another striker before the transfer window closes.

Otieno Makes Long-Awaited Debut For Leicester

Harambee Stars Abroad: Olunga Strikes in Qatar, Ayunga Nets Against Rangers, as Otieno Makes Leicester City Debut

Otieno’s Long-Awaited Debut Meanwhile in England, Silko Thomas Otieno finally made his competitive debut for Leicester City since signing for them from Chelsea in 2023 during their 1-0 Championship victory over Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who is eligible to represent Kenya, came on in the 73rd minute and registered 18 minutes of action after years of waiting for a senior breakthrough. His brief cameo included three touches, a cross attempt, and an aerial duel, though he lost possession three times.

Otieno’s moment came after a challenging spell, including an unconvincing loan stint at Wigan Athletic and a return to Leicester for treatment. On Instagram, his reaction was short but emotional: “Championship Debut.”

The match was decided by Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu, who ended a 15-month goal drought with a precise finish. Charlton thought they had equalised through Lloyd Jones late on, but his header was ruled out for a foul.

For Otieno, though, the night marked a personal turning point — a step from the fringes into the spotlight of Championship football.