ALL HOPES ON OLUNGA: Kenyans turn to Gor Mahia’s striker for goals ahead of Ethiopia match on Saturday

Harambee stars Michael Olunga celebrates his goal against Botswana with teammates during their Olympic qualifier return match on May 9, at Nyayo National Stadium. Photo/Mohammed Amin/www.pic-centre.com. (KENYA)

Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson is keenly following the progress of Gor Mahia’s striker Michael Olunga.

The Scott is excited about Olunga’s impressive form, four days before they play Ethiopia in an Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) match.

Olunga improved on his profile when he scored four goals against Chemelil Sugar on Saturday and now all eyes will be on him to help Stars edge out Ethiopia in their return match.

Kenya’s opponents won 2-0 in the first leg.

“I am very impressed with Olunga’s form. He has been scoring some fantastic goals.

“He was quite impressive against Chemelil Sugar and we expect to see him in the same form against Ethiopia,” he said.

Williamson praised the former Upper Hill student for being a fast learner who has been getting better every week.

The lanky forward has so far scored 11 goals and remains the league’s top scorer. The Kenyan coach has, however, warned against depending on Olunga to get past Ethiopia.

“At the end of the day, it is a team effort and we cannot afford to rely on one player. He might get injured and then we will be in big trouble,” he added.

Williamson is also excited about the form of Tusker’s forward Jesse Were who, with 10 goals, is the second top scorer.

“Were has been scoring too and remains our hope for goals against Ethiopia,” he said.

The coach believes fans will play a big role in ensuring they make it to the next round.

“Our fans are very passionate and we know that their presence will play a big role in helping us go through.

“We urge them to come and support us because we have a good team and will our best not to disappoint them.”

Meanwhile, Dunson Kago has been called to the national team preparing for the Africa Nations Championship (Chan) qualifying return leg against Ethiopia in Nairobi on Saturday.

The player, who recently joined Tusker, replaces Jacob Keli.

Keli moved to Zambian side Nkana, which rules him out of this Chan tournament, meant only for local-based players.

Thika United captain Dennis Odhiambo was also recalled to help bolster the defence, which was porous in the 2-0 first leg loss in Barhir Dar.

“We had a lot of gaping holes in defence that is why Odhiambo was recalled to help,” Harambee Stars former captain, and now assistant coach, Musa Otieno said.

The team has been training twice daily at Saturday’s match venue, Nyayo Stadium.

Kenya need to score three times if they are to progress to the next round ahead of Ethiopia, who are expected to arrive in Nairobi tomorrow. —Additonal reporting by

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