Ochieng leads Real Sociedad to late Elche win, from graft to txuri-urdin heights | OneFootball

Ochieng inspired Real Sociedad to a 2-3 victory at the Martínez Valero, Luka Sucic hitting the 90th-minute winner. The Kenyan winger opened the scoring and later created the decisive goal.

He struck first, then pressed Bigas to set up Yangel Herrera for 0-2. Jon Martín’s red card flipped the momentum and Elche equalised, before Ochieng squared for Sucic to make it 2-3. AS writes that his path has been far from orthodox.

He ran relentlessly across 97 minutes, competed in every duel, and nearly had a brace in stoppage time. Named MVP, he said they gave everything, suffered after the sending off, and still took the points.

The 23-year-old had already impressed as a starter at the Santiago Bernabéu. Here he showed why clubs in La Liga and abroad were interested this summer, despite renewing with Real Sociedad last season until 2028.

His route bypassed the academy system. He left Nairobi in 2020 aged 17 after family crowdfunding, arrived in Gran Canaria with his belongings in a bin bag, and initially hovered on the margins until C. D. Maspalomas housed him and let him play.

Real Sociedad identified him in 2022 and signed him, backing him despite an ankle injury and patellar tendinitis on arrival in Zubieta. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo lauded his speed and endurance, saying he can reach 35 kilometres per hour repeatedly and understands the team’s needs. Afterwards, Ochieng thanked those who helped him, said he is happy for the opportunity at Real, and will keep working.

Source: AS

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