Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno delivered a standout performance for Richards Bay despite their 1-0 loss to Orlando Pirates in South Africa’s Premier Division on Sunday.

Otieno, playing his second consecutive match, was named Man of the Match after making five crucial saves, including two inside the box, to keep his team in contention. However, Kabelo Dlamini’s 82nd-minute strike secured the win for Pirates. Otieno, who joined from Zambia’s Zesco United, has kept two clean sheets in his recent matches for Richards Bay.

Man of the match performance for Eric Johana in Romania

In Romania, Harambee Stars forward Eric Johana produced a man-of-the-match performance for Uta Arad in their 3-1 victory over CFR Cluj in the Romanian Super League on Saturday. Johana scored once and provided two assists, playing a pivotal role in his side’s comprehensive win over the former league champions. His stellar showing helped Uta Arad move up the league standings.

Rupia on the mark in Tanzania

Meanwhile, Kenyan forward Elvis Rupia continued his fine form in Tanzania, netting his third goal of the season for Singida Black Stars in their 1-1 draw against JKT Tanzania in a thrilling Ligi Kuu Tanzania encounter on Sunday. Rupia’s goal, scored in the 35th minute, temporarily gave Singida the lead before JKT Tanzania found an equalizer in the second half. Rupia’s consistency has been crucial for Singida this season, making him one of the top performers in the league.

Full minutes for Timothy Ouma in Sweden

In Sweden, Timothy Ouma played the full 90 minutes for IF Elfsborg in their 3-1 away victory over Kalmar in the Swedish Allsvenskan yesterday. Ouma’s involvement throughout the match helped Elfsborg maintain their title challenge in the top-flight league.

Zak Vyner features in England 

In England, Kenyan prospect Zax Vayner played the entire 90 minutes for Bristol City as they battled to a 1-1 draw against Swansea City in the Championship on Sunday. After a win over Oxford United last weekend, Bristol entered the game with confidence but found themselves trailing early, with Ben Cabango scoring for Swansea from a Ji Sung Eom cross in the 15th minute. Bristol’s manager Liam Manning made several changes, but Jason Knight’s 78th-minute equalizer, assisted by Scot Twine, salvaged a point. The result leaves Bristol City 14th in the standings with nine points from seven matches.

Daniel Anyembe Provides Assist in Viborg’s Defeat

Kenyan defender Daniel Anyembe had a mixed outing for Viborg in Denmark, providing an assist in their 3-1 loss to Danish Super League leaders Midtjylland. Anyembe played the full match and set up Magnus Westergaard’s 24th-minute opener with a precise pass. Despite Viborg taking the lead, Midtjylland hit back with goals from Aral Simsir, Joel Andersson, and Franculino Dju to secure the win. Anyembe also contributed defensively with six clearances, two interceptions, and four tackles, although Viborg now sits seventh in the league with 12 points from 10 games.

Frank Odhiambo in Sweden

Former Gor Mahia defender Frank Odhiambo featured prominently for AFC Eskilstuna, playing 87 minutes in their 3-2 loss to Vasalund in Sweden’s third-tier league. Despite two goals from Lee Hasson, Eskilstuna couldn’t recover from strikes by Alexandros Pantelidis, Marko Nikolic, and Dusan Jajic. Odhiambo also received a yellow card in the 83rd minute. Eskilstuna remains in the relegation playoff zone with 22 points from 24 games.

Elsewhere in Sweden, Kenya Under-20 midfielder Stanley Wilson was an unused substitute as AIK defeated Hammarby 1-0 in a top-tier clash on Saturday. John Guidetti, who spent part of his youth in Kenya, scored the match’s only goal for AIK.

Other Highlights

In Norway, former AFC Leopards forward Josphat Lopaga was an unused substitute as Naftan Novopolotsk drew 1-1 against Torpedo Zhodino.