Michael Olunga among Africa’s top scorers in World Cup qualifiers
The towering striker began with a brace in Kenya’s opening game against Seychelles, striking twice away from home.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has powered his way into Africa’s top scorers’ chart in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after finding the net in four different matches.
The towering striker began with a brace in Kenya’s opening game against Seychelles, striking twice away from home.
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He followed up in Match 5 with a calm penalty in the 3-3 draw against The Gambia, before scoring Kenya’s only goal in the narrow 2-1 home defeat to Gabon in Match 6.
Most recently, Olunga delivered another brace combining a penalty and a trademark header to bring his tally to six goals in eight matches.
That total places him joint third among Africa’s leading marksmen.
Gabon’s Denis Bouanga currently tops the chart with eight goals, followed closely by Egypt’s Mohamed Salah on seven.
Olunga shares the six-goal mark with Ghana’s Jordan Ayew, Mali’s Kamory Doumbia, and Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura, underlining his status among the continent’s deadliest finishers.
Kenya still have two fixtures to close out the campaign, an away trip to Burundi on October 6 and another clash against leaders Ivory Coast on October 13. However, qualification remains a steep challenge.
After eight matches in Group F, Harambee Stars sit fifth with nine points, while Ivory Coast lead with 20. Only the top team from each group qualifies directly for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
While Kenya’s chances of advancing are slim, Olunga’s individual form has been a bright spark. His six goals not only keep him in the race for Africa’s Golden Boot in the qualifiers but also highlight his value as a leader and consistent scorer for the national team.
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