Michael Olunga: Harambee Stars Captain Scores Hat Trick To Secure Four Nations Trophy Over Zimbabwe

• Michael Olunga's hat-trick led Harambee Stars to victory in the Four Nations Tournament
• Kenya clinched the trophy with a resounding 3-1 win over a tough to crack Zimbabwe side
• Both teams were reduced to 10 men in a heated match at Malawi's Bingu National Stadium

Kenya's national football team clinched the Four Nations Tournament title with a resounding 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe in the final, thanks to the stellar performance of Al Duhail striker Michael Olunga.

Olunga's hat-trick propelled the Harambee Stars to glory in a thrilling showdown at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Tuesday, March 26.

The match kicked off with an early setback for Kenya as Stade Reims defender Joseph Okumu inadvertently scored an own goal, granting Zimbabwe the lead in the fourth minute.

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However, the birthday boy swiftly turned the tide just before halftime, nodding in a pinpoint cross from Ayub Timbe to level the score, as reported by Pulse Sports.

Stars gained momentum in the second half, capitalizing on a numerical advantage after Konyaspor's Teenage Hadebe received his marching orders for a second yellow card. Olunga capitalized on a rebound to put Kenya ahead in the 63rd minute.

As tensions flared on the pitch with robust challenges and altercations, both teams were reduced to ten men following Richard Odada's sending-off for Kenya in the 73rd minute. Nevertheless, Olunga sealed the victory in style with a spectacular strike just minutes before the final whistle, securing the Four Nations trophy.

The triumph marked a significant milestone for coach Engin Firat Stars, boosting confidence as the team gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Firat used the tournament to fine-tune his squad ahead of crucial fixtures against Burundi and Ivory Coast in June.

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Kenya displayed dominance throughout the tournament, including a commanding 4-0 win over hosts Malawi in the first game, as reported by FKF.

Olunga confident of new faces

Sports Brief had reported that captain Olunga expressed confidence in the new players selected by head coach Engin Firat before the tournament.

Seven fresh faces were been integrated into the team by the Turkish manager.

The forward shared his optimism, noting the positive atmosphere within the camp.