US-based Nabilai Kibunguchy elated after cameo debut for Harambee Stars
By Collins Amanga, November 21, 2023
US-based defender Nabilai Kibunguchy is delighted to have made his debut for Harambee Stars as they picked a massive win in the World Cup qualifiers on Monday night.
Kibunguchy who was called up to the squad early this month was handed a cameo debut replacing Johnstone Omurwa in the defence.
Nabilai Kibunguchy Harambee Stars cap
Though he clocked under 10 minutes in the match that Harambee Stars won 5-0, Kibunguchy couldn’t hide his joy.
In a post on his social media account after the match, he said it was important to make his debut and to be part of the winning squad. He described it as a great ending to his first camp with Harambee Stars.
“A debut and more importantly 3 points today! What a great ending to my first camp with the Harambee Stars Onwards and upwards from here,” he shared.
Kibunguchy made it to Harambee Stars camp after expressing his desire to play for Harambee Stars.
The Orlando City defender had previously used social media to express his keen interest in representing the national side, and his dream became a reality in Abijan.
Nabilai Kibunguchy soccer career
Kibunguchy’s soccer journey includes a stint with the Sacramento Republic from 2015 to 2016, where he made 30 appearances and scored a goal.
He played for the University of California, Davis, from 2016 to 2019, earning recognitions such as All-Big West Conference First Team, Big West All-Freshman Team, and Big West Conference All-Academic Team in 2017.
In 2019, Kibunguchy went on to appear in the USL League Two with the San Francisco Glens, earning recognition as part of the Western Conference All-Star Team.
His professional journey saw him selected as the 18th overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Minnesota United. After a loan spell with the USL Championship side Sacramento Republic, he signed with Orlando City B in MLS Next Pro for the 2023 season.