Step up Oliech, give us something to celebrate about

When it comes to a high-stakes all-or-nothing meeting, outcomes are many times influenced by something special from someone special.

Diego Maradona was a special player at the 1986 World Cup. No one will forget his second goal in Argentina’s famous 2-1 quarter-final victory against old enemies England.

Maradona skipped past five England defenders in a mazy run half the length of the pitch to score what has come to be known as the goal of the century.

He struck again twice to lead his side to a 2-0 semi-final win against Belgium and set up a titanic final with West Germany.

Like a master puppeteer, Maradona controlled the Argentina football machine and crowned a superb evening by setting up Jorge Burruchaga for the decisive third goal in their memorable 3-2 victory.

England fly half Jonny Wilkinson was simply exceptional at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Time and again, his immaculate kicking made the difference in England’s charge to the final, where they confronted home side Australia.

Wilkinson coolly kicked over four penalties but it was his precious extra-time drop goal that ended the 17-17 deadlock to hand England their first World Cup title.

Oliech phenomenal

Kenya’s Dennis Oliech was phenomenal in the 2004 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, one time topping the scorers’ chart.

But it was his clincher in the final round of qualifications that summarised his special contribution. Kenya hosted Cape Verde at MISC, needing to win to guarantee qualification.

They did, with a stunning rocket from Oliech from 40 meters out that sent the country into delirium.

Oliech sort of lost his way after the finals in Tunisia. Even at the beginning of the current campaign, the Auxerre forward was largely inconspicuous.

He did show his special capabilities in Kenya’s 0-1 loss away to Angola in June, coming close to scoring several times.

But it is in the crucial tie at home to Guinea Bissau last month that Oliech’s old form resurfaced.

Tireless and full of running, he threatened all afternoon and was finally rewarded in injury time goal, almost tearing off the net with a scorching drive from the edge of the area.

It was a special goal that handed Kenya the 2-1 victory and vital three points that kept them breathing in the qualifiers.

Kenya now need to beat Uganda in Kampala today to enhance their qualification chances.

They will need something special. Oliech, who has recently been churning out goals in Ligue 1, looks primed to make the delivery.