Benni McCarthy backs Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga to overcome his wastefulness

Michael Olunga was among those had had a decent game for Kenya against Gabon. Photo/Imago

Benni McCarthy backs Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga to overcome his wastefulness

Stephen Awino 12:29 - 24.03.2025

Harambee Stars coach has Benni McCarthy has expressed confidence in Michael Olunga's ability to find the back of the net following a plethora of missed chances in Gambia and Gabon fixtures.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has expressed confidence in captain Michael Olunga’s ability to bounce back from recent profligacy issues, despite Kenya’s 2-1 defeat to Gabon at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Olunga, who leads Kenya’s attack, has been a key player in the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scoring in both of the team’s recent fixtures against Gambia and Gabon.

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On Thursday, March 20, Olunga netted Kenya’s first goal in a thrilling 3-3 comeback against Gambia.

However, his goal on Sunday served only as a consolation, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace secured victory for Gabon.

While Olunga has continued to find the back of the net, he has also missed crucial chances that could have changed the outcome of both matches.

Addressing concerns over the striker’s finishing, McCarthy defended his captain and emphasized that such moments are part of football.

“It is football. He was just unfortunate against Gambia. It happens—I was a striker and I used to miss a lot of chances,” McCarthy said, as quoted by Nation Sports.

The coach reaffirmed his trust in Olunga’s abilities, highlighting his leadership and goal-scoring prowess.

“He is our leader. He is the guy that I look to set the example for the rest of the team because he is one of the best finishers in the game. If there are players proving to be better than him, they will play, but unfortunately, he is the best we have got. The fact that he is getting chances means the team is doing something well, and it will come,” McCarthy added.

Olunga has been a reliable goal scorer for Kenya, and his strike against Gabon took his international tally to 32 goals.

He now sits just three goals behind the legendary William Ouma’s 35-goal record. He also trails Dennis Oliech (34 goals) and Elijah Lidonde (33 goals) in the national team’s all-time goal-scoring charts.

As the qualifiers progress, McCarthy and Kenyan fans will hope that Olunga sharpens his finishing and continues to lead the Harambee Stars’ attack with distinction.