Ryan Ogam Earns First Ever Wolfsberger Start After Earning Harambee Stars Call Up For November Friendlies

Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam made his first-ever start for Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC on Wednesday night as they sealed a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over SKU Amstetten to reach the quarterfinals of the ÖFB-Cup.

The 20-year-old, who received his maiden national team call-up for Kenya’s upcoming November international friendlies, was named in head coach Peter Pacult’s starting XI for the Round of 16 clash — his first start since joining the club late last month.

Ogam, who had previously made two appearances off the bench, lasted 45 minutes before being withdrawn at halftime.

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 During his stint on the pitch, he managed 12 touches, completed 83 percent of his passes, and won five duels — one aerial and four on the ground — as Wolfsberger came from two goals down to triumph in extra time.

The “Wolf Pack” looked in serious trouble after conceding twice within the opening 35 minutes, but they fought back after the hour mark to level matters before Erik Kojzek netted the decisive goal in the 115th minute to send them through.

Ogam’s steady integration into Austrian football caps a whirlwind few weeks for the youngster, who was one of the surprise inclusions in Engin Firat’s Harambee Stars squad announced earlier this week. 

His club debut and subsequent first start come as Kenya ramps up preparations for their international window.

Elsewhere in Europe, Harambee Stars right-back Daniel Anyembe helped Danish side Viborg FF advance to the Landspokal Cup quarterfinals after scoring in a dramatic penalty shootout win over Fredericia. 

The 27-year-old converted Viborg’s third spot-kick as they triumphed 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

In Scotland, striker Jonah Ayunga made a late substitute appearance for St. Mirren in their 2-2 draw with Premiership leaders Hearts in Paisley. 

Ayunga, who came on in the 75th minute for Dan N’Lundulu, helped his side hold on for a valuable point despite a tense finish that saw Hearts’ late goal ruled out by VAR.

Meanwhile in Germany, Harambee Stars prospect Linton Maina featured briefly in FC Köln’s 4-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal. The 25-year-old was introduced in the 79th minute, with Bayern already cruising courtesy of an inspired performance from Harry Kane, who scored twice.

In North Africa, Kenyan defender Alphonce Omija missed Etoile Sportive du Sahel’s 2-0 Tunisian Ligue 1 victory over AS Marsa due to suspension. 

The 23-year-old, who played the full 90 minutes in his team’s CAF Confederation Cup tie against Nairobi United last weekend, is expected to return to action against Metlaoui on Saturday, 1 November.

In Zambia, Moses Shumah sat out Power Dynamos’ 1-0 win over Nchanga Rangers, while compatriot Emmanuel Osoro featured as an 83rd-minute substitute.