Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat rallies behind Olunga, says he has no equal in Kenya

Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 13.11.23. | 21:30

The former Gor Mahia striker has come under heavy criticism for failing to score for the National team in recent matches

Michael Olunga's contribution to the Harambee Stars in terms of goal scoring has lately come under scrutiny over a prolonged drought spanning ten games.

He was heavily criticized in the Stars' last international friendly against Russia which ended in a 2-2 draw due to glaring chances he missed in the duel.

The criticisms were exacerbated by the fact that the leading FKF Premier League top scorer Benson Omala of Gor Mahia had been overlooked by coach Engin Firat who did not hand him a call up.

The Al Duhail SC striker has nonetheless continued to bang in goals for his Qatar side.

Ahead of their back to back World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles, Firat has rallied behind the striker saying that he has no equal in Kenya at the moment.

Firat leaped to Olunga's defence, saying he can’t bench him.

"In Qatar, Olunga didn't score, but he changed the result of the game. If people don't understand, then they should go and play play station," the Turkish coach underscored Olunga's importance.

"Michael is so important for this country, he does big things to represent his country. For me as a coach, I will never put Olunga out, there's no player of his level in Kenya at the moment. Even Masud (Juma) is not near his level. Even if other people think we have players like Didier Drogba, I don't believe it," Firat added.

Kenya faces Gabon on Thursday 16th November in Franceville and Seychelles in Ivory Coast four days later. Michael Olunga's is expected to lead the lines in both matches.



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