At last, Kenyan striker Jonah Ayunga got that call and appreciation from his dad, moments after he had scored his first international goal for Harambee Stars.In March this year, the 27-year-old, then waiting for his Kenyan debut at the Four Nations Tournament, left no doubt in stating how significant earning a cap would be for his Kenyan dad – Sam Ayunga – for his sacrifices in “missing and leaving his family behind” for a new life in the UK.Jonah Ayunga eager to make father proud ahead of Harambee Stars debutAccomplishing a debut then (as a stoppage-time substitute in a Malawi obliteration) now looks a distant memory of what a journey he has had since.In the absence of skipper Michael Olunga, Ayunga made his awaited full debut in September against Namibia, and on Friday 15 November went a step further, scoring Kenya’s only goal in a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe at Peter Mokaba Stadium.Harambee Stars to miss out on AFCON 2025 after draw with ZimbabweThe moment, as per Ayunga, was one that carried some significance.”Massive,” the St. Mirren striker labelled his toe-poke past Washington Arubi early in the second half.”It immediately brought good feelings of course as I continue to prove my worth to this team.”Though rightly diplomatic in saying the goal “was ultimately overshadowed by the result and us not qualifying for the AFCON”, he admits to the joy it brought back home.##NAJAVA_MECA_8502090##”My dad was among the first people to reach out immediately after the game,” Ayunga said. “We had a chat, him congratulating me for the goal, and of course, my family members in Kisii also called.””Finally, I paid back to everyone who got me here.”Now a consistent starter for Engin Firat’s side, Ayunga says he is “slowly getting used to” the feel of international football, and taking a few lessons from his new-found partner upfront.Ayunga praises Kenya’s football growth, tips more local players to join European leagues”He is such a great player to watch and learn from,” Ayunga said of Olunga, who he played with for the first time in the national team.”The first time we met was in Malawi in March when he had fun scoring so many goals. I think the first time playing together we did okay, communicated and adapted well, but there is always room for improvement.”And for a man who once got a dream call-up in 2017 only for the matches against Sierra Leone to be cancelled, never giving up is not an option.Jonah Ayunga’s Harambee Stars dream”When I landed in Nairobi in 2017, I connected to my wifi and realized that everything had been cancelled, and no one was coming,” he said. “All I had to do was sort out my documentation and keep waiting for the next call.”A few years later, he is smiling, saying: “Hope that was the first of few.”
