Michael Olunga’s brace helped Harambee Stars to twice come from behind to beat their East Africa rivals and neighbours Taifa Stars 3-2 on Thursday and pen down their second-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Before the match, Olunga had sent an emotional message to demoralized fans, encouraging them to take heart and assuring that he would lead the fight to the very end.
And came Thursday, the Kashiwa Reysol striker did as he had stated. His determination, focus and passion for his team was a thing that did not go unnoticed. Olunga was named the man of the match after scoring two goals including the winner.
Kenyans were quick on their feedback and showered praise on the 26-year-old while pointing out his strong leadership qualities, fighting spirit and trust in God as great pointers to his successful career so far.
#TotalAFCON2019
The jury has given his verdict! M. Olunga is the Total Man of the Match !#KENTAN #FootballTogether pic.twitter.com/1nixQgS3Jq— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 27, 2019
Santoz Saluda
Passion pia the way he celebrated his first Goal you could see it
Jacob Owino
His trust in God will take him places,Reminds me of Kaka
Malubomboka Ya Mountfleury if you dont shoot you wunt score…he does that in abundance…bao ya pili alicreate tu space kiasi
Silas Real True, you can see it from his eyes. Another determined player Is Eric ouma. If we had just 7 such players then we could dream of afcon glory.
Ashinuri Dadi Pia ako na fighting spirit na wheel power.Olunga fights up to the end thats y he ends up getting goals.
James Luchera Very true Alecki…..belief, Determination and Talent….Above ALL ameweka Sir Jah mbele
Olunga will lead his team again on 1 July in their last group stage match against Senegal.
The win against Taifa Stars was extremely crucial to Kenya as it kept alive their hopes of going past the group stages for the first time. This is after Migne’s boys were beaten 2-0 by their opener opponents, Algeria in a match that Kenya showed one of the poorest displays. Fans remained pessimistic ahead of Tanzania clash but thanks to Olunga who revived their hope.
READ: Tears to cheers, Kenyans mood changes after unexpected victory