Sagan Tosu’s combative midfielder, Anthony Teddy Akumu, expressed his joy after scoring his first-ever goal for the national football team, Harambee Stars, 11 years after his debut for Kenya.

The Japan-based defensive midfielder scored the opening goal against the 2018 World Cup hosts, Russia, on October 16 in Antalya, Turkey, where Harambee Stars concluded a series of friendly matches with a resounding 2-2 draw.

In an exclusive interview with People Sport, Akumu stated, “It’s a great feeling because the national team is a big stage, and scoring against Russia, a World Cup team, is really motivating and nostalgic. I am really pleased and certainly looking forward to more goals for the national team in future matches.”

Akumu, 31, has found a lifeline under the tutelage of coach Engin Firat and has featured in every Harambee Stars game this year, leading the midfield alongside the dazzling Richard Odada.

The former Gor Mahia ace is one of the most capped players in the current squad, having made 47 appearances for the team, just three games behind skipper Michael Olunga.

Akumu further explained that he initially didn’t have the goal in mind, intending to pass the ball to Olunga. “My first aim was to assist Olunga to score since he was in a better position. Unfortunately, he slid and the Russian goalkeeper blocked him. The ball bounced back to me with an open net, so I had to finish the job by scoring.”

Making his Harambee Stars debut in 2011, he noted that the goal came at the right time. “I cannot say the goal has come late. I think it’s just the right time since everything has its time, I believe so. Although I had several chances to score in previous games like the friendly match we had against Malawi at Kasarani and many other outings. Maybe it was just written that I would score my first goal against Russia.”

His first goal is indeed a confidence booster for him and the team as Kenya prepares to open the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers next month, with a match against Gabon in Libreville and Seychelles in Ivory Coast.

“We have had some good performances, especially against Russia, Qatar, and Iran. These games have been great preparations as we head into the World Cup Qualifiers. There is confidence in the team, and we are ready to give a good show in the coming assignments. We shall take one game at a time,” Akumu added.

His club life in Japan has not been rosy since his arrival last December. However, he mentioned that he is working very hard in training to cement his place for more playtime in the Kenta Kawai-coached side.