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Kenyan striker Josephat Lopaga made headlines in the Belarusian League as he scored the first goal of the season for Dynamo Brest in their impressive 4-0 victory over Shakhtyor Soligorsk on Saturday at Stadyen Shakhtsyor.

Lopaga’s goal came as a substitute, entering the match in the 74th minute and finding the back of the net just six minutes later.

Lopaga’s numbers

This marked his first goal of the season after three rounds of the campaign.

Dynamo Brest, who started the league with a draw, showcased their attacking prowess with quick-fire goals from Artem Rahmanov, Herman Barkovskiy, and Yegor Korotov in the ninth, 12th, and 19th minute respectively, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead.

Lopaga’s goal added to the team’s dominance, contributing to their impressive victory. With this win, Dynamo Brest has now scored eight goals in their last two matches and sit comfortably at the top of the league table with seven points.

This season, Lopaga has played 15 matches for the club and has scored a total of five goals, showcasing his importance to the team’s attacking lineup.

Lopaga’s journey to professional football is a remarkable one. Originally from the volatile town of Baragoi, he overcame adversity in his early years as a street child before being rescued through the City Stadium Homeless Youth Rehabilitation program.

His passion for football led him to the Shy Football Academy and later to the Gor Mahia youth team. He continued to progress in the sport, representing Mount Kenya United and Posta Rangers before finding his way to AFC Leopards.

Lopaga on international stage

Beyond his club performances, Lopaga has also represented Kenya’s Under-23 team in the CECAFA Championship, further highlighting his talent on the international stage.

In the match against Shakhtyor Soligorsk, Dynamo Brest’s lineup featured notable players including Kozakevich, Dziow, Rahmanov, Kasarab, Oreshkevich, Svirepa, Olekhnovich, Turich, Gordeychuk, Korzov, and Barkovsky.

Shakhtar lineup: Chernik (c), Martynkevich, Baranok, Yankovsky, Gruzhevsky, Kaplenko (Sviridenko, 46), M. Kovalevich, Zenkov, Akhmedi (Garost, 81), V. Kabyshev (Denisyuk, 26), D. M. Kovalevich. Substitutes: Ignatovich, Makarenko, Shestilovsky, Stefanovich, Chakur, Sotnikov.

Dynamo-Brest” lineup: Kozakevich, Dziow, Rahmanov (c), Kasarab, Oreshkevich, Svirepa (Burak, 39), Olekhnovich (Mussinga, 84), Turich (Dukso, 84), Gordeychuk (Kislyak, 74), Korzov (Lopaga, 74), Barkovsky. Substitutes: Sednev, Hralenkov, D. R. Kovalevich, Bogdanovich, Tsepenkov.