)
Jonah Ayunga and his St Mirren teammates faced harsh criticism from manager Stephen Robinson after a heavy 4-0 defeat.
Harambee Stars striker Jonah Ayunga and his St Mirren teammates found themselves on the receiving end of a scathing criticism from their head coach, Stephen Robinson after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Heart of Midlothian.
The defeat, which marked their third top-flight loss in a row, left Robinson furious with his team’s lackluster performance.
St Mirren, who had impressed last season by securing European qualification, looked a shadow of their former selves in a match where they barely troubled Hearts’ defense.
)
10:30 - 20.10.2024
Harambee Stars defender produces man of the match display in Bristol City's crucial win over Middlesborough
Vyner, who was called up to the Harambee Stars squad last June, was instrumental in Bristol City's win over Middlesborough to boost their Premier League promotion hopes.
To make matters worse, Ayunga, who has been struggling to regain form after two long injury layoffs, did not make the matchday squad, leaving fans concerned about his progress.
Speaking after the game, a visibly upset Robinson did not mince his words.
“The performance level wasn’t acceptable at all,” Robinson said, addressing the media in the post-match interview.
He blamed his team for their poor decision-making and failing to meet the basic standards required to compete at the top level.
“Hearts didn’t need a new manager, they didn’t need to play particularly well to beat us. We beat ourselves,” he added.
“For the first goal, we lost the ball and didn’t react. The second is a great goal but we ran into each other for the third. Then in the fourth, we gave the ball away again.”
)
11:00 - 20.10.2024
Michael Olunga on target as Al Duhail claim crucial Qatari Stars League win
Olunga was back in the scoresheet for Al Duhail on return to club duty following Kenya's narrow 1-0 loss to Cameroon last Monday.
The frustration in Robinson's voice was clear as he pointed out that his side’s lack of discipline and failure to execute basic football fundamentals was the reason for their downfall.
The Scottish coach expressed his disappointment with some of the senior players, noting that poor decisions and defensive errors had cost them dearly.
“Ultimately I put the team out and I’m to blame, but some of the decision making wasn’t acceptable. Senior players have made decisions that aren’t good enough and we need a response to that. Otherwise, this will be a long season.”
Robinson’s frustration is understandable considering St Mirren’s promising form from last season, where they secured a spot in European competition.
However, the current season has been a stark contrast, with the team struggling to find consistency. Ayunga, once considered a key player for the club, has yet to make an impact since returning from his injury woes.
)
18:30 - 20.10.2024
Spirited Rising Stars come unstuck as they fall to Tanzania at the final hurdle in CECAFA U-20 AFCON qualifiers
Tanzania bounced back from a goal down to beat Kenya 2-1 to clinch the U-20 CECAFA AFCON qualifying trophy on Sunday afternoon.
St Mirren’s defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by Hearts, who scored four times without reply.
Lawrence Shankland’s flick set up Kenneth Vargas for a powerful opener, and Daniel Oyegoke’s stunning 20-yard curler doubled the lead early in the second half.
Late goals from 17-year-old James Wilson and Blair Spittal sealed a comprehensive victory for Hearts, leaving St Mirren with little to show for their efforts.
Robinson's warning to his players was stark: shape up or face a long and difficult season.
“The players have been told in no uncertain terms that isn’t good enough. We got into Europe by playing a certain way and knowing what we are good at. We played a certain way and now we aren’t that. Suddenly, we think we might be a European side. We are not. You need to do the basics right and we didn’t.”
For Kenyan fans of Jonah Ayunga the news of his struggles at St Mirren will be a cause for concern.
)
18:00 - 20.10.2024
'It was not a beautiful game'- Gor Mahia coach critical of team's performance despite dominant display against Posta Rangers
The defending champions Gor Mahia continued their strong start in league action with a 3-0 thrashing of Posta Rangers.
The Harambee Stars striker has yet to find the back of the net this season, and with the team’s current form, it is unclear when Ayunga will get the opportunity to prove himself again.
Robinson’s harsh assessment of his players’ recent performances suggests that changes could be on the horizon and Ayunga will need to step up if he is to regain his spot in the squad
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)