5 Times Harambee Stars Captain Michael Olunga Shocked the Football World

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is once again in the headlines following his high-profile exit from Al Duhail SC.

As clubs around the world circle for his signature, the Kenyan international’s stock continues to rise, and for good reason.

Olunga has stunned the global football community time and again, with jaw-dropping performances that defy expectations.

From the African continent to Asia and Europe, the towering striker has built a fearsome reputation for delivering when it matters most.

Pulse Sport looks at five unforgettable moments when Michael Olunga shocked the world.

With Kenya on the brink of a group-stage exit at the 2019 AFrica Cup of Nations (AFCON), Olunga delivered one of the most iconic performances in Harambee Stars' history.

Facing bitter rivals Tanzania in a must-win clash, Olunga netted twice, including a breathtaking late winner, to seal a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory.

It was Kenya’s first win at the continental showpiece in 15 years, and Olunga's brace turned him into a national icon overnight while drawing praise from across the continent.

The match underscored his reputation as a big-game player with a flair for the dramatic.

During his loan spell at Spanish side Girona, Olunga made history in spectacular fashion.

In January 2018, he scored a hat-trick in just 22 minutes against Las Palmas, becoming the first Kenyan ever to score in La Liga, and to do so with such explosiveness.

His hat-trick was the fastest in the club’s history and placed him firmly on Europe’s radar. It was a reminder that even among the best, Olunga could rise above the rest.

In the 2024 Four Nations tournament in Malawi, Kenya faced Zimbabwe in the final.

After going a goal down, Olunga stepped up with a textbook-perfect hat-trick, scoring with his left foot, right foot, and head, to lead Kenya to a stunning 3-1 comeback victory.

His leadership and technical brilliance were on full display, earning widespread admiration across the African football fraternity. It was a reminder of his continued relevance on the international scene.

Olunga’s time at Al Duhail was filled with goals, but none more significant than his hat-trick in the 2023 Emir Cup final.

With everything on the line, he delivered a masterclass, leading his side to a dominant win and completing a domestic double.

The performance etched his name into Al Duhail folklore and showed once again that when the pressure is highest, Olunga rises to the occasion.

Perhaps his most unbelievable feat came in Japan's second tier, where Olunga netted eight goals in a single match as Kashiwa Reysol thrashed Kyoto Sanga 13-1.

The performance wasn’t just a display of scoring ability, it was a footballing phenomenon.

His goals secured Kashiwa’s promotion to the J1 League and left fans, pundits, and the football community speechless.

The match remains one of the most astonishing displays of individual brilliance in modern football.

Michael Olunga is a talent who thrives under pressure whether on the African stage, Europe’s elite leagues, or the competitive grind of Asian football.

As his next move looms, wherever he lands, the world should brace for more shocks from the "Engineer".