Rising Stars Forward Dubbed ‘New Michael Olunga’ on How Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 Exploits Are Motivating Him

Kenya U-20 forward Lawrence Okoth has admitted “he must work even harder” in order to earn bigger and better opportunities both at club and international level.

The MOFA FC striker, often compared to Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, scored Kenya’s first-ever goal at the competition—a thumping header from a Kevin Wangaya free-kick during their 3-2 opening defeat to Morocco.

Okoth was in fine form throughout the group stage, netting again in a narrow 2-1 loss to Tunisia and causing constant problems for defenders in a 2-2 draw against Nigeria. 

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His tally of two goals made him Kenya’s top scorer in a group stacked with continental heavyweights. Reflecting on the tournament, Okoth credited the team’s preparation, which included several friendlies against Ghana where he scored consistently, as key to his confidence. 

“We were very ready for that game, and 14 minutes in, we had already found the back of the net,” he said. “We made avoidable mistakes that cost us, but it was a great learning process.”

Currently continuing his rise in the National Super League with MOFA, Okoth says the Harambee Stars’ strong showing at CHAN 2024 has fueled his ambition even more. 

Kenya have stunned DR Congo, Angola, and Morocco in Group A and are on track for their first-ever quarterfinal appearance. 

With each victory earning the senior players KES 1 million in bonuses—KES 2.5 million so far—Okoth admits the incentives and achievements are motivating.

 “First, I have to work even harder to make that squad in future so that I can also be in contention to win a million shillings every game,” he said on the Tiki Taka show.

 “It is not all about representation—you have to show you want to get to a certain level.”

Okoth’s blend of clinical finishing, physical presence, and composure under pressure has already made him one of Kenya’s brightest young prospects. 

With the hunger to improve, the experience of competing against Africa’s best, and a role model in Olunga, the 19-year-old is positioning himself as the future of Kenyan striking power.

 If his rise continues at this pace, the next time he scores on the continental stage, it could well be for the Harambee Stars senior team.