Silko Amari Otieno Thomas has reacted with delight after providing a match-winning assist in Wigan Athletic’s vital victory.
Harambee Stars prospect Silko Amari Otieno Thomas could not hide his joy after playing a pivotal role in Wigan Athletic’s hard-fought 1-0 victory against Barnsley at Oakwell.
The 20-year-old winger, on loan from Leicester City, provided the match-winning assist for the lone goal of the match played on Saturday.
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Thomas’s inch-perfect cross to Thelo Aasgaard just before halftime sealed the crucial three points for the Latics, lifting them to 17th place in the League One standings.
"I'm obviously happy to have contributed for the goal," said Thomas after the match.
"When I'm getting the ball in those kinds of areas, that's when the team gets the best out of me."
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Thomas’s dazzling display reminded fans why he is considered a rising star.
The former Chelsea Academy product, now thriving at Leicester City, joined Wigan in July on a season-long loan and has since impressed with his speed, creativity, and attacking instincts.
"I love the one-v-one, all the time, the manager wants me to get in those positions and it suits my game,” he continued.
“I know my ability, and the more games I play, the more comfortable and confident I will become."
The moment of brilliance came when Thomas received the ball from the opposite flank.
Showing confidence, he took on the Barnsley right-back, leaving the defender on the ground before delivering a perfect cross to Aasgaard, who headed home from close range.
"I saw the ball coming over from the other side, and once it came to me, I thought, ‘Yeah, let’s be positive,’” Thomas explained.
“I took it past the defender, I looked up and saw Thelo, and I knew he would finish it.”
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The victory was a much-needed boost for Wigan, who had targeted the match as a springboard for improving their season.
"It was a really big three points," Thomas said.
"We spoke about it all week, this game being the first step in getting back to where we need to be.”
The winger acknowledged the defensive effort required to secure the result, particularly during a nervy nine minutes of stoppage time.
Despite Barnsley’s relentless pressure, Wigan held firm, with Thomas’s first-half assist proving the difference.
"They really took the game to us in that second half, we had to defend a lot of long balls, but we held out and did what we needed to do,” he added.
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Thomas’s journey from Carshalton Athletic to Chelsea’s esteemed Cobham Academy, where he represented both the U18s and U21s, has shaped his technical ability and work ethic.
At Leicester, he continued to shine, earning the Men’s Development Player of the Season award and making significant contributions in Premier League 2.
His loan move to Wigan has provided valuable first-team experience, with the young star determined to maximize his opportunities and improve further.
Having represented England at U15 and U18 levels Thomas remains eligible to play for Kenya making him a tantalizing prospect for Harambee Stars fans.