After missing the opening round of the qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea, Olunga was among the players, who made a comeback to the squad named by coach Benni McCarthy ahead of the back-to-back matches against South Africa.
The lanky forward went into the two matches seeking two goals to move above Ouma and become Kenya’s all-time top scorer. However, the Al Arabi forward managed one goal to move level.
With Kenya trailing 1-0 from an early own goal by defender Amos Wanjala, Olunga stepped up from the penalty spot to send Ronwen Williams the wrong way and put Harambee Stars level.
While his goal sparked Kenya into the game as they went ahead to secure a 2-2 draw after substitute Ryan Ogam scored late on, the same goal enabled Olunga to climb up and sit level with Ouma on 35 goals.
Former Gor Mahia striker William 'Chege' Ouma has been Kenya’s all-time top goal scorer in men’s international football with 35 goals for the Harambee Stars.
Ouma enjoyed a rich vein of goal-scoring form, attaining the 35-goal haul in 66 appearances in a time spanning 15 years.
Ouma’s last goal for the national team colours came around 1977, when he made his final appearances for the Harambee Stars under coach Ray Wood.
Speaking after the game at Orlando Stadium, Olunga said: “Solid effort and shift from the team against a good opposition.
“A lot of positives to pick. We rectify our mistakes and bounce back in the return leg. Thank you, all Kenyans, who supported us, both at the stadium and back home.
“Happy to become joint all-time top scorer for Kenya.”
FKF lauds Olunga for achievement
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President led Kenyans to appreciate Olunga after his latest achievement.
“Congratulations Michael Olunga on your 35th goal for Harambee Stars now the joint all-time top scorer alongside the great William ‘Chege’ Ouma,” said Mohammed in a post on his social media pages.
“Captain, thank you for your leadership, your consistency, and your commitment to the badge. You continue to inspire a whole generation of young Kenyans to dream bigger.
“We wish you continued success and many more goals in the Harambee Stars jersey. The record is within reach, and we look forward to celebrating the next milestone with you.
“Keep leading, keep scoring, keep making Kenya proud.”
Meanwhile, Kenyan fans took to social media to sing the praise of Olunga, who made his debut for Kenya in a friendly against Seychelles at the Stade Linite in Victoria on March 28th, 2015.
Fred Abuto said: “Olunga, some achievements go beyond football; they become part of a nation’s history and the memories of its people.
“Today, you have not just scored goals; you have given millions of Kenyans something to believe in, something to celebrate and something to be proud of.
“Every goal carries a story of sacrifice, every setback a lesson in resilience, and every time you wear that Harambee Stars jersey, you carry the hopes of an entire nation.
“Records may eventually be broken, but the emotions you have awakened in the hearts of Kenyans will never be erased. You have earned your place in our history, not merely as a goalscorer, but as a symbol of determination and national pride.”
Cityenei Sitienei said: “You always make us proud, it feels great being Kenyan when we see Harambee Stars hold up big teams.”
“I have never been so excited, you beat the best goalkeeper in Africa. A draw away to SA is as good as beating them, a world cup finalist,” said Timothy Sewe.
Icon Nakitare challenged FKF to honour Olunga before Kenya’s fixture against South Africa on Tuesday. He wrote: “Olunga should be honoured on Tuesday before the game against South Africa. He deserves all the respect.”
Olunga scored his first goal for Kenya in a friendly against South Sudan, which resulted in a 2-0 win. On July 27th, 2019, during the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, Olunga scored a double to complete a 3-2 comeback win against Tanzania.
Olunga will have the chance to move above Ouma, when Kenya takes on South Africa in matchday four of the AFCON qualifiers at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday.
