Olunga scores brace in Kashiwa Reysol win over Yokohama FC

Kenyan International Michael Olunga scored a brace for Kashiwa Reysol in a 3-0 win against Yokohama on Saturday to take his tally to 19 goals.

Olunga is the leading scorer in the league and his effort, in a match he was yellow-carded in, in the 33rd minute, helped Kashiwa Reysol end what would have become a second loss in a row.

The former Girona’s striker’s second effort was in the second half – his 19th top-tier goal – with the assist this time around from Naoki Kawaguchi.

Hideka Otani scored the third goal in the first minute of added time with Kawaguchi again making the assist.

After finishing the J2 League as the second runner-up in the Golden Boot race, Olunga anticipated a tough season in the top-flight but his current form has proved his fears wrong.

“I knew it was going to be a tough year especially having scored 27 goals in the previous season, a lot was expected from me. I came prepared, ready to work hard,” he said.

Kenyans fans will be disappointed that his services may not be available when Kenya take on Comoros in an African Cup of Nations qualifier in November.

His absence will definitely be a big blow.

Eighth-placed Kashiwa Reysol will be away to Kashima Antlers on October 10.