STARS ABROAD: Job Ochieng earns La Liga start as Osama gets minutes in Sweden
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 24.05.26. | 10:31
The Kenyan attacker, who recently signed a new two-year contract with the club, featured for 68 minutes before being replaced by Pablo Marin in a lively outing that once again showed the growing trust the club has in the former Ligi Ndogo talent
Harambee Stars forward Job Ochieng returned to the senior side at Real Sociedad and was handed a first-ever start as the Spanish outfit wrapped up their La Liga season with a 1-1 draw against Espanyol on Saturday night at the RCDE Stadium.
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The Kenyan attacker, who recently signed a new two-year contract with the club, featured for 68 minutes before being replaced by Pablo Marin in a lively outing that once again showed the growing trust the club has in the former Ligi Ndogo talent.
Real Sociedad struck first just before the hour mark when Orri Oskarsson continued his fine form with the opener, but the visitors were unable to hold on as Carlos Fernandez later restored parity for Espanyol after Tyrhys Dolan had earlier seen a goal ruled out by VAR.
Ochieng produced an encouraging performance during his time on the pitch.
The winger managed two crosses and registered an impressive 85 percent passing accuracy, successfully completing 11 of his 13 passes.
Eight of those successful passes came in the opposition's half, while all three passes attempted in his own half found their target.
The Kenyan also recorded 29 touches and completed two successful dribbles from five attempts while covering a ball-carrying distance of 75.1 meters, with his longest progressive carry stretching 11 meters.
Defensively, Ochieng also played his part, managing four defensive contributions that included a tackle win, an interception, a clearance, and a recovery.
He further won four ground duels from eight attempts, committed one foul, and had one effort off target while being flagged offside once.
Real Sociedad will now shift focus to preparations for next season’s UEFA Europa League campaign after concluding their domestic assignments.
In Sweden, Kenyan youngster Paul Osama was introduced in the second half as Hammarby TFF edged ESK Enkopings 1-0 in a match played at Enavallen’s A-field.
Osama came on for Isak Braholm and delivered a composed cameo despite playing only five minutes.
The former Mombasa United wide player completed all his passes to finish with 100 percent passing accuracy in both the opposition and defensive halves.
He also registered eight touches, completed a successful dribble, and made defensive contributions that included an interception and a recovery while winning one ground duel from three attempts.
The appearance marked Osama’s second match since joining the Swedish side after previously making his debut against FC Jarfalla. He had remained unused in matches against Sollentuna and Eskilstuna.
Meanwhile, compatriot Andreas Odhiambo was rested after starting eight consecutive matches and remained on the bench throughout the encounter.