Kenyan Stars Abroad: Mixed Weekend for Harambee Stars Footballers in Britain

Harambee Stars footballers took part in the action in the UK over the weekend, and endured mixed weekends across the leagues.

Kenyan players across the United Kingdom experienced a weekend of contrasting fortunes, with some delivering standout performances while others endured difficult outings as their clubs battled through critical league fixtures.

Zak Vyner Shines Despite Portsmouth Pressure

Bristol City climbed into the Championship play-off places with a vital 1-0 win away at struggling Portsmouth — and Kenyan defender Zak Vyner played a decisive role in securing all three points. City dominated the first half and took a deserved lead in the 17th minute through Anis Mehmeti, but it was in the second half where Vyner truly came to the fore.

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Within seconds of the restart, Portsmouth striker Colby Bishop bundled an effort goalward, only for Vyner to produce a superb goal-line clearance that preserved Bristol City's advantage. It was the standout moment in what was an imperial display at the heart of defence.

Pompey increased the pressure late on, with Bishop and Josh Murphy both going close. Yet Vyner and his defensive partners held firm, helping City secure a second win in three matches to bolster their promotion push. For Portsmouth, the defeat extended a worrying run of just one win in nine league matches, dropping them into the relegation zone.

Silko Thomas Unused as Leicester Fall in Five-Goal Thriller

Leicester City’s difficult spell continued with a chaotic 3-2 defeat to Sheffield United at the King Power Stadium, though Kenyan winger Silko Thomas remained an unused substitute.

Silko Thomas Unused as Leicester Fall in Five-Goal Thriller

The Foxes collapsed early, conceding twice inside four minutes before Sydie Peck’s fine volley made it 3-0 before halftime — the second straight match in which Leicester conceded three in the opening period.

Though Stephy Mavididi and Jordan James mounted a spirited second-half fightback, it wasn’t enough to rescue a point. The loss deepened concerns for the Foxes, who are still waiting to learn the outcome of their financial fair play hearing, which could result in a points deduction. For Sheffield United, once relegation candidates, the victory marked their third straight win under Chris Wilder, propelling them up the table and away from danger.

Vincent Harper Battles Hard as Walsall Dominate

In League Two, Kenyan-born left wing-back Vincent Harper put in a spirited shift for Walsall as they beat Bromley 3-1.

Vincent Harper Battles Hard in Walsall Defeat

Bromley initially took an 18th-minute lead through Ben Krauhaus following Mitch Pinnock’s high press, and Harper provided width and energy down the flank in a lively first-half display. But Walsall roared back after the break with goals from Daniel Kanu, Ryan Finnigan, and Courtney Clarke, ending Bromley’s four-match winning streak. Despite Harper’s tireless running and defensive work, the Ravens struggled to cope with Walsall’s late surge.

Jonah Ayunga Off the Bench as St Mirren’s Struggles Continue

In Scotland, Kenyan forward Jonah Ayunga came on for St Mirren but could not prevent a 3-1 defeat to Dundee at Dens Park, a result that extends the Buddies' poor run of Premiership form.

St Mirren had taken the lead through Mikael Mandron after sustained early dominance, only for Dundee to equalise two minutes later via a deflected Yan Dhanda strike. The hosts added a second before halftime and controlled the key moments thereafter. Ayunga entered the match looking to provide a spark and came closest to pulling one back deep into stoppage time when his powerful strike crashed off the crossbar.

Despite commanding possession, St Mirren rarely troubled Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken, and a late third for the home side sealed a frustrating afternoon. Ayunga and his teammates will be desperate to respond when they face Aberdeen in midweek.