Stars Abroad: Odada unused in Scotland as Zak Vyner helps Bristol City labour to draw against Coventry

Stars Abroad: Odada unused in Scotland as Zak Vyner helps Bristol City labour to draw against Coventry

Mark Kinyanjui 22:30 - 24.08.2024

Multiple Kenyan players were in action in across Great Britain on Saturday, including Richard Odada in Scotland and Zak Vyner Onyego in the English second-tier.

Richard Odada remained an unused substitute as Dundee United fought hard to secure a 2-1 victory against St. Johnstone in a Scottish Premiership clash on Saturday afternoon. 

The Kenyan international, who joined the Tangerines from Philadelphia Union, has made two substitute appearances since his arrival but is yet to earn a starting spot. Odada will be eager to impress in the coming weeks to increase his chances of breaking into the first XI.

Dundee United's breakthrough came in the 54th minute, thanks to Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson. He was quick to react to a rebound off David Babunski's effort, slotting the ball home to put United ahead. 

St. Johnstone's hopes of mounting a comeback took a significant hit when Adama Sidibeh received a second yellow card and was sent off. His first booking came from a handball in the United box, and the second for a reckless action against a United defender.

With St. Johnstone reduced to ten men, United capitalized on the advantage. Josh Rae's mishandled punch from a throw-in led to Jack Sanders inadvertently nodding the ball into his own net, doubling United's lead. Despite a late rally, St. Johnstone couldn't recover from these two crucial errors, and Dundee United secured the three points.

Zak Vyner Onyego Impresses Despite Bristol City’s Draw with Coventry

In the English Championship, Zak Vyner Onyego started for Bristol City but couldn't help his side secure a win as they drew 1-1 with Coventry on Saturday. 

Onyego, who was called up to the Harambee Stars in June but is yet to make his debut, delivered a solid performance as the right-sided center-half. His ball-playing abilities were evident, with an 80 percent pass accuracy and one key pass during the match.

Bristol City took the lead in first-half stoppage time through a spectacular volley from George Tanner, who struck from the edge of the box.

 However, Coventry City improved in the second half and equalized through Kasey Palmer, a former Bristol City player. Palmer fired into the top corner from six yards out after a defensive mistake by Tanner, ensuring the points were shared.

Kenyan Players in Action Across English Leagues

In League One, Tyler Onyango, on loan from Everton, made a substitute appearance for Stockport County in their 2-0 victory over Bristol Rovers.

 Meanwhile, Siliko Amari Thomas Otieno, on loan from Leicester City, started his first game for Wigan Athletic, helping his team to a 1-0 win over Crawley Town. Zech Obiero, however, experienced defeat as Leyton Orient lost to Birmingham City.

In League Two, Clarke Oduor came off the bench to help Bradford City secure a 3-1 win against Bromley, contributing to a successful weekend for Kenyan players in the lower leagues of English football.