Scottish-based Harambee Stars forward provides injury update after missing World Cup qualifiers
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 17.09.25. | 10:47
The Brighton & Hove Albion academy graduate, who has plied his trade in both England and Scotland, previously suffered long-term injuries that curtailed his progress
Harambee Stars forward Jonah Ayunga has provided an update on the knee problem that kept him out of Kenya’s recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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The Scottish-based striker was absent as Kenya endured mixed fortunes in their back-to-back home matches, falling 3-1 to Gambia before bouncing back with a commanding 5-0 victory over Seychelles.
His absence raised questions, but Ayunga has now clarified the situation.
According to Paisley Daily Express, the 27-year-old forward was sidelined following a minor knee setback. The precautionary measure meant he missed the two fixtures to avoid aggravating the injury.
However, Ayunga made his return on Saturday, 13 September, turning out for his club St. Mirren in their 2-1 win over Falkirk.
Speaking after the match, Ayunga assured supporters that he is fully recovered and ready to push forward.
This is not the first time Ayunga has faced fitness concerns. The Brighton & Hove Albion academy graduate, who has plied his trade in both England and Scotland, previously suffered long-term injuries that curtailed his progress.
In January 2023, Ayunga suffered a major anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during St Mirren’s clash against Motherwell, an unfortunate blow that sidelined him for several months.
His return to action was followed by another setback in May 2024, when he underwent a knee operation that once again ruled him out temporarily.
He emphasised, however, that the current knock is unrelated to his past problems.
“My knee is good. I just took a few days to get it back up to speed,” he explained. “It’s nothing serious that has kept me out. I just have to manage it through the season and take the opportunity to rest when I can.
I won’t take any risks, but it’s nowhere near the stage of missing training sessions. The physio is happy with it and doesn’t think there’s any risk, it’s just about managing the symptoms.”
Ayunga’s last outing for Kenya came earlier in the qualifiers, featuring in the six-goal thriller against The Gambia, where he won a penalty converted by captain Michael Olunga, before coming off the bench against Gabon in Nairobi, a game Kenya lost 2-1.
The forward, who earned his first Harambee Stars call-up in 2018, made his competitive debut in March 2024. He scored his maiden international goal later that year in a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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