Michael Olunga misses out on record in Japan
Kashiwa Reysol's Kenyan striker Michael Olunga celebrates scoring during their J-League match against Consadole Sapporo at the Kashiwa Hitachi Stadium on February 22, 2020.
What you need to know:
- Olunga would have equalled the J1 League record set by Julio Salinas in the 1997-1998 season. Spaniard Salinas netted in eight consecutive matches that season for Yokohama Marinos.
- However, Olunga, who reports claim is on the radar of RC Lens (France), Espanyol Barcelona (Spain) and Besiktas (Turkey), squandered at least two good chances early in each half on Sunday when he shot directly at the keeper and made another feeble shot in the dying minutes.
Kenyan international Michael Olunga Sunday missed the chance to write history in the Japanese top tier football league for record consecutive goals scored.
This is after his side Kashiwa Reysol settled for a barren draw with hosts Oita Trinita. The 26-year-old was seeking to find the back of the net in eight straight matches.
He had scored in seven back-to-back games, including once as his side swept aside Andreas Iniesta's Vissel Kobe 3-2 last week.
Olunga would have equalled the J1 League record set by Julio Salinas in the 1997-1998 season. Spaniard Salinas netted in eight consecutive matches that season for Yokohama Marinos.
However, Olunga, who reports claim is on the radar of RC Lens (France), Espanyol Barcelona (Spain) and Besiktas (Turkey), squandered at least two good chances early in each half on Sunday when he shot directly at the keeper and made another feeble shot in the dying minutes.
He still tops the scoring charts on 12 goals from 12 matches. The result keeps Kashiwa in fifth place on 20 points, while Oita drops from 11th to 14th on 12 points in the 18-team league.
The highlight of the weekend was when leaders Kawasaki Frontale's 11-match unbeaten record ended in a 1-0 loss against Nagoya Grampus.
Kenyan internationals
Elsewhere, Kenyan internationals Johanna Omolo, Cliff Nyakeya, John Avire and Clarke Oduor were in action on Saturday for their respective sides.
Cercle Brugge's Johanna Omollo kicks the ball during their Belgian top flight league match against Mechelen at the AFAS Stadium on August 22, 2020.
In the Belgian Pro League, former Dandora Youth midfielder Johanna Omolo played the entire game as Cercle Brugge beat Mechelen 3-2 at the AFAS Stadium.
The game went to the break with home side Mechelen enjoying a 1-0 lead courtesy of a William Togui's 37th minute strike, but Ikpe Ugbo leveled matters for Brugge on 54 minutes and Dino Hotic put them ahead three minutes later.
Aster Vranckx equalised for Mechelen on 64 minutes and Thibo Somers won the game for Cercle Brugge with a thunderbolt on 80 minutes.
Brugge are now fourth on the log with six points from three matches and will face Kortrijik on Saturday evening in their next match.
Former Mathare United winger Cliff Nyakeya was a second half substitute as Masr FC beat El Gouna by a solitary goal at the Khaled Bichara Stadium in an Egyptian top flight league tie. The lone goal was scored by Reda Al Weeshi on 83 minutes.
Masr are bottom of the log with 16 points having played 20 matches.
Still in the same league, former Sofapaka striker John Avire played for 67 minutes as Tanta FC lost by a solitary goal to El Geish. Ahmed Samy scored the winning goal from the spot on 55 minutes.
Tanta are second bottom in the standings with 16 points from 21 matches.
Harambee Stars prospect Clarke Oduor played the entire second half as English Championship side Barnsley beat lower-tier side Crewe Alexandra 2-0 at the Alexandra Stadium.
