On Saturday, he made history in the 65th minute when he replaced Portugal international Goncalo Guedes. His performance earned him a 6.6 rating, showing he adapted well to top-flight football.
Luka Sucic opened the scoring for Sociedad in the 24th minute with an assist from Guedes. Mikel Oyarzabal doubled the lead in the 37th minute. Andre Silva pulled a goal back for Elche three minutes before halftime, but it proved to be mere consolation as Orri Oskarsson sealed the victory in the 82nd minute after coming off the bench.
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Ochieng becomes the second Kenyan to feature for Real Sociedad in La Liga, following McDonald Mariga, the current FKF deputy president. He is also the third Kenyan to play in La Liga, joining Mariga and Michael Olunga.
The 22-year-old forward made his Harambee Stars debut in August 2025 during Kenya’s World Cup qualifier, appearing in a 3-1 defeat to The Gambia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Ochieng’s rise to La Liga has been steady and determined. After leaving Ligi Ndogo for Spain in 2019, he joined the youth academy of Maspalomas, where he spent three seasons developing his skills. He later trialled with Las Palmas but did not secure a spot. In 2022, he joined Real Sociedad, initially with the C team, before being promoted to Sociedad B a year later
In May 2025, Ochieng signed a two-year deal with Real Sociedad B, edging closer to a potential first-team breakthrough. His former club, Ligi Ndogo FC, received a development fee slightly exceeding Ksh 20 million, a notable windfall for the Ngong Road-based academy that was once a regular in Kenya’s second tier.
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Ochieng is a versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or winger. Spanish publication La Provincia describes him as “a quick forward with an eye for goal, strong with both feet, and skilled in dribbling,” noting his physicality and defensive work rate. His style has drawn comparisons to Sweden and Liverpool star Alexander Isak, who also came through Real Sociedad.
Last year, Ochieng featured in several pre-season matches with Sociedad’s first team. With his development rising steadily, he will aim to earn a permanent place in the Sociedad first team setup.
