Ryan Ogam Explains How Harambee Stars Can Beat Estonia as He Reflects on Senegal 8-0 Wake-Up Call

Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam has explained how Kenya can silence Estonia for the first time in their FIFA Series 2026 opener on Friday, March 27, at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

The match represents a significant test for a Kenyan side in a transitional phase under head coach Benni McCarthy, who is still working to establish a consistent rhythm and identity for the team.

Ryan Ogam believes the fixture against the European nation will serve as a crucial benchmark for the Harambee Stars, particularly in honing their tactical discipline ahead of major tournaments.

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"We've analysed them carefully, and one thing stands out, they don’t force situations," Ogam stated as quoted by The Star. "They are comfortable sitting in their structure, waiting for you to make mistakes. So if we are careless, even for a moment, we can be punished."

The Wolfsberger forward is set to lead Kenya's attack following the notable omission of captain Michael Olunga. This decision has placed both tactical and public expectations on Ryan Ogam's shoulders.

However, the young striker has taken a pragmatic approach to his new responsibilities, focusing on his function within the team's overall structure rather than the pressure of replacing a key player.

"Replacing a striker is not just about goals," he explained. "It’s about how you move, how you occupy defenders, and how you help the team function as a unit. If my movement is right, it creates space for others. If it’s wrong, it affects the whole attack."

Facing European opposition presents a unique tactical puzzle for Kenya. Estonia are known for their compact defensive shape and risk-averse style, which can frustrate teams that prefer a more open, attacking game.

"They are not a team that gets stretched easily," Ogam noted. "You can dominate possession and still feel like you’re not creating anything clear. That’s where patience becomes important, knowing when to circulate the ball and when to be direct."

For a striker, such a contest can be a test of patience, with long spells of limited involvement punctuated by fleeting opportunities.

"There will be times when I’m not seeing much of the ball in dangerous areas," Ogam acknowledged. "The key is to stay focused and not drift out of position trying to force things. When the opportunity comes, you have to be ready."

Ryan Ogam also pointed to transitional play as a potential weakness for Kenya to exploit. "They do have phases where they push up," he observed. "If we recover the ball in those moments and move it quickly, we can catch them before they reorganise. But it has to be precise, one wrong pass and the chance is gone."

Kenya's recent form has been inconsistent, with promising displays often undone by costly lapses in concentration. A heavy 8-0 loss to Senegal last year highlighted significant structural issues, while narrow victories against lower-ranked teams provided little comfort.

The former Tusker FC forward admitted these experiences have led to a period of honest self-reflection within the squad.

"That period forced us to look at ourselves critically," he said. "We realised that some of our problems were not about quality, but about spacing, communication, and decision-making under pressure. Those are the areas we’ve tried to improve."

Following the clash with Estonia, Kenya is scheduled to play their second tournament fixture on March 30 against either Rwanda or Grenada, with the opponent determined by the result of their opening game.