Michael Olunga has finally recovered and could be ready for Harambee Stars African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in October 2024.
The Al Duhail SC striker was not available for the previous qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia due to an injury. However, he played for his Qatari club during a Stars League match against Al Wakrah on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Olunga started in the game against Al Wakrah, as Al Duhail went on to win the game with a 2-0 margin. Edmilson scored the two goals, with the opening one coming in the 13th minute.
The second was scored in the 27th minute, and this guaranteed Al Duhail a win, a clean sheet, and three points, which means they have 12 points and are on top of the table.
Although Olunga’s return is a boost for the Qatari heavyweights, they suffered another injury with Al Moez getting stretchered off.
Olunga and the goalscorer Edmilson were replaced in the early moments of the second half by Karim Boudiaf and Sultan Al Brake, respectively.
Although the captain was not available, Kenya managed to beat Namibia and went top of Group J after initially collecting a point against The Warriors in Kampala, Uganda.
Head coach Engin Firat fielded John Avire, who scored the goals against Namibia in Olunga’s place.
Kenya’s next game is against Cameroon, who also have four points like the Harambee Stars, and given the status of the Indomitable Lions, Firat will want to have his top guns available in October.