Two Harambee Stars prospects dazzle for Wigan, Leyton Orient in English Football League Cup

Budding Kenyan midfielder Zech Obiero made a significant impact as Leyton Orient secured two points by defeating Colchester United on penalties in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy Southern Group E match at Gaughan Group Stadium on Tuesday night.

Obiero, making his first start since Leyton's 3-1 Carabao Cup loss to Brentford in September, rewarded his coach’s faith by scoring the opener in the 30th minute.

He put the O's ahead at halftime before Ben Goodliffe equalized for Colchester in the second half, pushing the game to a penalty shootout.

The match had a quiet start until midway through the first half when Diallang Jaiyesimi found the back of the net after being set up by Sonny Perkins, only to be flagged offside.

This near miss spurred Orient into action, and just minutes later, U’s goalkeeper Tom Smith made a terrific save to deny Perkins from close range.

Three minutes after that, Leyton finally broke the deadlock. Smith saved Obiero's initial attempt, but the quick-thinking midfielder reacted swiftly to turn in the rebound, putting Leyton ahead.

Jordan Graham almost doubled the lead with a stunning long-range effort in the 37th minute, but his shot cannoned off the post in the last real chance before halftime.

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In the second half, Colchester equalized after a brilliant free-kick from Jack Payne was tipped onto the crossbar by Orient goalkeeper Hemming, only for Goodliffe to head in the rebound.

The game went to penalties, where Leyton Orient triumphed.

Though Obiero did not take part in the shootout, he finished the match and hopes to cement his place in the squad, with aspirations of earning a call-up to the Kenya national team.

Obiero was previously called up in March to represent Kenya’s U20 team in the Four-Nation Invitational Tournament in Malawi.

Silko Otieno

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Elsewhere, Harambee Stars prospect Silko Otieno played 30 minutes as his side Wigan Athletic defeated Carlisle 2-0 in an EFL Cup match on Tuesday night.

Josh Stones and Michael Olakigbe were on target for Wigan, while Thomas replaced Tyrese Francois in the 61st minute.

The win leaves Wigan second in the group with three points, trailing leaders Morecambe by three after two matches.