Ryan Ogam: The man Harambee Stars will bank on for goals

My mission will be to score goals ruthlessly, those are the words of Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) that kicks off in Tanzania on Saturday.

The tournament will then shift to Nairobi the following day, with Harambee Stars tackling two-time champions DR Congo at the refurbished Kasarani Stadium. The Tusker man is not afraid of the Congolese status.

"I want to score goals in each match. I'm targeting maybe one or two in each fixture," Ogam told Standard Sports.

"The aim is to finish the group stages with at least five, then we set another target from there onwards," the red-hot striker explained.

Ogam believes this wild dream is very possible in his debut in the biannual continental showpiece that the country will be using as a dry run for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 (Afcon 2027) that Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

"The build-up I had in my debut in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF PL) has given me the good form and great momentum to just believe that this target is very possible in Chan.

"I truly enjoyed a good season, which I hope will be replicated in the Chan. We have so far prepared well in training and are just waiting to give our best as the fixtures kick off," stated Ogam.

According to the former Rainbow forward, Harambee Stars target is to secure victory against DR Congo, who are chasing a third title.

"If we beat DR Congo, we will have high morale at the camp, it will stir our momentum in the tournament. The mission is to get maximum points in the group stages, so we will approach each game with a winning mentality," he stated.

The 20-year-old striker who started off as a defensive midfielder says taking part in Chan is a godsend chance for him, as he is out to make a mark in the championship.

"From this tournament, we will get exposure. Those lucky will be spotted by the scouts and may land better deals abroad.

"So, we are taking this championship with the seriousness it deserves. We are out for the victory," Ogam said.

The almost flawless striker had a splendid season in his debut in the FKF PL last season, taking lead with 15 goals halfway in the race before he was put down by injuries.

The slowdown saw him relinquish the Golden Boot Award race to Moses Shumah of Kakamega Homeboys, who beat him by two goals to lift the coveted title.

With his blazing form, Ogam believes he can still redeem himself before the year ends by winning the same accolade in Chan.