Kenyan international Ryan Ogam officially launched his European football journey yesterday, making his long-awaited debut for Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC in their commanding 3–1 victory over Grazer AK.
A Milestone Moment for Kenyan Football
Ogam, formerly of Tusker FC, stepped onto the pitch in the 75th minute at the Merkur Arena, marking a historic moment as the first player to transfer directly from the Kenya Premier League (KPL) to a European top-tier club. His debut came just days after joining Wolfsberger AC on October 1, following standout performances at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he scored decisive goals for the Harambee Stars.
Match Recap: Wolfsberger AC vs Grazer AK
- Markus Pink opened the scoring for Wolfsberger in the 19th minute.
- Daniel Maderner equalized for Grazer AK just before halftime.
- In the second half, Alessandro Schöpf restored Wolfsberger’s lead in the 62nd minute.
- Donis Avdijaj sealed the win with a third goal in the 90th minute.
Ogam replaced Angelo Gattermayer in a double substitution, receiving a warm welcome from fans and teammates alike. While he didn’t score, his presence added energy and anticipation to the final minutes of the match.
From Nairobi to Austria: A Rising Star
Ogam’s journey from defensive midfielder to prolific striker has been meteoric. After netting 15 goals in 17 appearances for Tusker FC, his performances at CHAN 2024 including a match-winning goal against Morocco drew comparisons to national team captain Michael Olunga.
Wolfsberger AC President Dietmar Riegler praised Ogam as “an investment in youthful flair and goal-scoring urgency,” while head coach Ferdinand Feldhofer emphasized the importance of drive and consistency for earning more minutes.
What’s Next?
With Wolfsberger now second in the league standings with 17 points from nine matches, Ogam will be looking to build on his debut and secure a regular spot in the squad. Upcoming fixtures against Ried and Sturm Graz will be crucial tests for both the team and the young Kenyan forward.
