When Ryan Wesley Ogam struck in the 75th minute against Zambia, he didn’t just secure a vital win — he confirmed his place as the breakout star of the CHAN 2024 tournament. At only 20 years old, the young forward has become Kenya’s new football sensation, inspiring fans with his pace, composure, and instinct in front of goal.
Born on 21 December 2004 in Nairobi, Ogam’s football journey has been marked by constant reinvention. Initially signed as a defensive midfielder, he was later converted into a striker — a decision that transformed his career. The switch paid off almost immediately when he scored an impressive 15 goals in 17 league appearances for Tusker FC during the 2024 FKF Premier League season.
From Youth Football to Professional Ranks
Ogam’s story is a reminder of how grassroots football continues to shape Kenya’s national game. He sharpened his skills in the youth setups of Galaxy FC, Sunrise FC, and UEFA Despanol, where his natural athleticism and eye for goal began to draw attention. His senior debut came with Rainbow FC in the National Super League, a stepping stone that exposed him to tougher competition and the pressures of professional football.
Seeking to test himself abroad, Ogam had a stint with Elite Falcons FC in the United Arab Emirates, before returning home in 2024 to join Tusker. The Brewers’ decision to trust him in attack proved pivotal. Within months, he had become one of the league’s most feared forwards, a transformation that inevitably caught the eye of the national selectors.
Rising Star for Harambee Stars
In January 2025, Ogam received his first call-up to the Harambee Stars during the Mapinduzi Cup. Head coach Benni McCarthy praised the youngster’s ability, describing him as “a natural finisher with great movement,” even daring to draw comparisons with Michael Olunga, Kenya’s most iconic striker of the past decade.
That faith was rewarded at CHAN 2024. Ogam’s debut tournament goal — a precise 42nd-minute strike against Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani — sealed a 1-0 win that shocked the two-time champions and ended their unbeaten CHAN record. His performance sent Kenya into the quarter-finals and electrified a nation hungry for continental success.
Against Zambia, Ogam rose again to the occasion, scoring the winner that ensured Kenya topped Group A unbeaten with 10 points, ahead of Morocco. With two goals in the group stage, Ogam has not only announced himself as a reliable scorer but also as the symbol of Kenya’s new football generation.
Beyond Goals: A Player to Watch
Ryan Ogam’s rise reflects more than just individual talent. It embodies the potential of Kenyan football when young players are given opportunities. His movement off the ball, speed in transition, and ability to convert under pressure have given Harambee Stars an edge. Just as importantly, his hunger and humility suggest a long career ahead.
With Kenya now advancing deeper into CHAN 2024, Ogam’s presence will be crucial. Fans see in him not just a match-winner but a new leader for the next decade of Kenyan football. If his early trajectory is anything to go by, Ryan Ogam is on the path to becoming one of the most influential names in East African football.
