'I will forever cherish it daily' - Ryan Ogam on why he will never forget his first-ever goal for Harambee Stars

Ogam, who is currently recuperating from a knee injury that has kept him on the sidelines, scored his first ever goal for Harambee Stars last January.

Tusker striker Ryan Wesley Ogam has explained how it felt scoring his first-ever goal for Harambee Stars last January during the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup in Pemba Islands.

Ogam found the back of the net in Kenya's 2-0 victory over Tanzania's Kilimanjaro Stars, marking his first goal for the national team during a tournament that was initially intended as a build-up to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. The competition was later postponed from February to August.

Despite his appearances for Harambee Stars consisting of local-based players, meaning his three caps are categorized as 'Kenya B' and not FIFA-recognized, Ogam was overjoyed by his first goal for the team.

However, it did take him a while to earn the trust of a national team coach. While his family were overjoyed that the 20-year-old, who was not even playing as a striker only months before earned his call up, he was left doubting himself for failing to earn a cap.

During the qualifiers for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) which saw Kenya knocked out by South Sudan, Ogam was called up by previous coach Engin Firat, but never kicked a ball for the team.  

“The first time I was called up was during the qualifiers under Firat. It was overwhelming to have received my first call up and my parents were happy, especially my father - and that is why I wear the number 15 shirt,” Ogam told Crafting Stars show.

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“I did not play at first against South Sudan. I was disturbed that I got called up but did not play, but I opted to be patient and wait for my chance.”

Only a few months later, former interim coach Francis Kimanzi, who took the job following the departure of Engin Firat, gave him his chance during the Mapinduzi Cup, and on his second start for the side, he scored his first goal.

Reflecting on the thrill that he felt from netting that first goal, Ogam said: “ I will forever cherish it daily because, when I even saw FKF posting that I had scored my maiden goal for the national team, it was sweet.

“The players supported me. There are more strikers that would have been called but I was the one that was selected. It was a great moment.”

Ogam explained how Kimanzi’s tactical acumen -which he believes is as good as Stanley Okumbi’s (his former coach at the now-defunct Rainbow FC) helped him improve his game during the camp.

He also explained the impact Arnold Origi - who is his godfather- had on him, having served as goalkeeping coach during the tournament.

“Coach Kimanzi is also very tactical like Okumbi is, and my godfather was also on the bench. He used to guide me because in my transition, there are things I still lacked. That goal was from pressing high up actually.

“I pressed them out and stretched my leg and the next thing I knew, it was a goal.”

Meanwhile, Ogam who is currently recuperating from a knee injury which is set to put him on the sidelines for a while, has explained his next career prospects after turning down a move to USM Algier in January.

“When a player is at his peak, he will generate interest. Not all opportunities are good, but there are also those that are good. 

“I however prefer to leave it to my dad and the agency , but my goal is to finish the season with Tusker, and hopefully win the golden boot and young player of the year.”