Ryan Ogam sends message to Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy with bold challenge to Michael Olunga

Tusker forward Ryan Ogam is eying a scrap for the Harambee Stars’ striker spot against captain Michael Olunga.

Harambee Stars forward Ryan Ogam has stirred discussions over the competitive fight for a starting spot in the Kenyan national football team.

The in-form Tusker FC striker has set his sights on challenging Michael Olunga, the Al-Duhail star, for the coveted number nine role.

Ogam first broke into the national team setup under former coach Engin Firat and has since continued to make a name for himself.

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Currently leading the FKF Premier League scoring charts with 15 goals, he has proven to be one of Kenya’s most lethal strikers.

Ogam netted his maiden goal for Harambee Stars during the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup in January, helping Kenya secure a 2-0 victory over Tanzania.

Speaking on the Crafting Stars podcast, Ogam acknowledged the difficulty of cementing a starting position in the squad but remained confident in his abilities.

“My biggest challenge in the national team obviously is (Michael) Olunga; there is also the likes of John Avire. They are players who have been there for a long time,” he remarked.

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Despite the stiff competition, Ogam expressed excitement over the prospect of playing alongside Olunga, hinting at a potentially lethal strike partnership.

“It can be a very deadly moment because if you look at him as a player, what he has achieved is something every striker admires and dreams of achieving. So if given that chance, I’d say the first thing to do is to learn. When I play with someone, I want to understand how they play, and then it becomes easy for me.”

The forward also acknowledged the challenge that comes with such opportunities, noting that selection decisions ultimately lie with the coach, who at the moment is newly appointed Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy.

“When you get such an opportunity, obviously, you don’t want to let go. So the challenge now remains on the coach—either we twin-strike or one of us starts.”

Incoming Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will get to work with the man he had selected as assistant after his current cut ties with him.

McCarthy, who took over the national team’s reins recently, will have to weigh his options carefully as Kenya prepares for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier fixtures in March.

With Olunga’s proven track record and Ogam’s impressive form in the domestic league, the South African football legend faces a tough decision regarding his attacking setup.

Ogam, however, has a golden opportunity to prove himself.

With Olunga ineligible for the 2024 CHAN tournament set for August, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the Tusker FC forward has a chance to lead the line and stake his claim for a more permanent role in the national team.

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