William Wilson Lenkupae announced himself on the international stage in the most dramatic way possible, scoring a last-gasp equalizer for Kenya in their 3-3 draw against The Gambia in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Central Coast Mariners midfielder came off the bench in the second half and delivered a moment of magic with the final kick of the game, securing a crucial point for Harambee Stars.
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Reflecting on his debut, Lenkupae described the experience as a dream come true, revealing how much it meant to him and his family.
“It was a dream come true, to be fair. My family at home was very happy, and the family I have here was happy as well. It was a great achievement and a great memory for me,” he said.
Despite being born and raised in Australia, Lenkupae has always felt a strong connection to Kenya. His father, uncle, and extended family still reside in the country, making his national team debut an emotional moment for the 24-year-old.
“I’ve always been in touch with this place. I love this country. My father is here, my family, my uncle is here, so I’ve always had that connection,” he added.
Lenkupae also credited head coach Benni McCarthy for instilling belief in him ahead of the match, acknowledging the impact of their conversation.
“I spoke to the coach, and he put a good idea in my head. I thought, ‘This is the type of man I want to play for.’ I just knew that this was going to be a great team, and I’d love to be a part of it. I’m grateful that I am at the moment,” he said.
His debut goal could not have come at a better time, injecting hope into Kenya’s World Cup qualification campaign. Now, as Harambee Stars shift their focus to today’s clash against Gabon at a fully packed Nyayo National Stadium, Lenkupae will be eager to build on his memorable start and help Kenya secure a crucial victory.
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