Harambee Stars Abroad: Zak Vyner Helps Bristol City to Valuable Championship Point as Tyler Onyango Assists in England

Zak Vyner and Tyler Onyango were amongst the Harambee Stars-eligible players that featured prominently in England on Saturday.

Kenyan prospects across Englandโ€™s football pyramid were in action this past weekend, with Zak Vyner, Tyler Onyango, and Clarke Oduor all featuring for their clubs, while Silko Amari Otieno Thomas missed out for Leicester City.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with theย Latestย Sports News in Kenyaย from Pulse Sports

Zak Vyner

Zak Vyner played the full 90 minutes as Bristol City battled to a 0-0 draw against Preston North End in their seventh Championship game of the season on Saturday.

The defender, who has been tipped for a Harambee Stars recall by coach Benni McCarthy, looked assured on the right of a back three and was key in ensuring the Robins left Deepdale with a valuable point.

The match was not short of chances. Prestonโ€™s Milutin Osmajic missed a clear one-on-one early on, while Bristolโ€™s Anis Mehmeti twice went close, including a dramatic stoppage-time effort denied by goalkeeper Daniel Iversen.

ยฉ Silko Thomas (Instagram)

On Friday night, Silko Amari Otieno Thomas was left out of the Leicester City squad as the Foxes shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

Leicester fell behind after just ten minutes to a fine strike from Samuel Iling-Junior, and looked headed for only their second defeat of the season. But a late own goal from Nat Phillips deep into stoppage time rescued a point, extending Leicesterโ€™s unbeaten run to five matches.

Otieno, who joined Leicester on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2023, has so far made just one league appearance this season.

Tyler Onyango is keen to work under Benni McCarthy. Photo: Imago

In League One, Tyler Onyango put in a strong performance for Stockport County as they drew 1-1 with Reading.

Onyango, playing with physicality and control in midfield, grabbed an assist in the 22nd minute. Rising highest to meet Ben Osbornโ€™s cross, he nodded the ball across goal for Paddy Wootton to tap in from close range.

Reading equalised in the 73rd minute through Jack Marriott after sustained pressure, and Stockport were denied a winner when Woottonโ€™s late strike was stopped by goalkeeper Joel Pereira.

In League Two, Clarke Oduor started as Grimsby Town demolished Cheltenham Town 7-1 at home.

The Mariners fell behind early but two superb strikes from Jamie Walker turned the tide. Cheltenhamโ€™s collapse was compounded by two red cards either side of half-time, leaving Oduor and his teammates to dominate proceedings.

The emphatic win lifts Grimsby back into form as they look to climb the League Two table.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *