It was his last-minute goal for Adelaide United on January 12 that thrust him into the limelight and full glare of adoring Kenyan fans.
As is always the case, no one knew much about Mark Ochieng’ — a budding Kenyan talent — until he scored the all-important goal to beat Melbourne City 2-1 in their A-League clash at Coopers Stadium in Australia.
To cap it all, Mark Ochieng’ became the Reds’ super sub with an ice-cool finish three minutes from time after another substitute Sergi Guardiola laid off the ball as City was caught square-footed at the back.
It was just Adelaide’s second win of the season.
And like a good son, Ochieng’s first phone call — according to media reports — after scoring the winner and his first A-League goal, was to his father who resides in Nairobi.
Ochieng’ was born in Kenya before moving to Adelaide at the age of nine years. “Dad was very happy with me,” Ochieng’ told the media, adding that, “I relocated when my dad got a job here in 2006.
After that, I started playing through the junior ranks and then the AIS. Luckily, I got a gig with Adelaide United.” The young star revealed that his father had no idea he had scored an important goal.”
This was Ochieng’s first goal for his club. Ochieng’ is a rightback and is aged just 20 years.
Ochieng’, who is coming off contract at the end of the season, has proven himself is likely to have his contract extended.
