Benni’s Top Gun Eyes Big Record Against Bafana

Kenya striker Michael Olunga is one goal away from becoming his country’s all-time leading scorer when Harambee Stars face Bafana Bafana in Nairobi on Tuesday evening. The veteran captain equalled the long-standing record on Friday night and now has the chance to move clear in the return 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Olunga scored from the penalty spot in the 2-2 draw at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. That strike was his 35th goal for the national team, matching the mark held by William ‘Chege’ Ouma since the 1970s. A late equaliser from substitute Ryan Ogam then earned Kenya a hard-fought point against Pitso Mosimane’s side.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy was full of praise for his top gun after the match. He called Olunga a great leader who pressed hard and handled Bafana’s centre-backs well, even though he had only just returned from a long injury layoff. McCarthy also noted that the striker calmly scored his penalty against Ronwen Williams, a goalkeeper known across Africa for saving spot-kicks.

“For a coach it is very gracious to have such a leader,” McCarthy said. “You saw today how he was chasing and pressing. He just came back from a long layoff with injury, and gave a performance like that. He is just a great example.”

Tuesday’s clash at Nyayo National Stadium gives Olunga the ideal stage to write his name into Kenyan football history. One goal would make him the sole record holder and give Harambee Stars a major boost. The fixture is also important in Group D of the AFCON qualifiers. Bafana sit at the top of the group, while Kenya are still searching for their first win of the campaign.

Olunga has been a key figure for Kenya for many years. His leadership and finishing have often carried the team, and his return from injury has given McCarthy’s side a clear focal point in attack. Fans in Nairobi will be hoping the striker can deliver once more and claim the record that has stood for decades.

The stage is set for a special night. If Olunga finds the net against Bafana Bafana, he will go down as Kenya’s greatest goalscorer.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2121943696530718867?a=PLji-rjCQoGHLmzdRCk&s=19

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