BY GRAN CHICO
SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
Kenyan forward Job Ochieng delivered a magical night in Spain on Monday, scoring once and providing two assists as Real Sociedad edged Elche 3-2 in a thrilling La Liga encounter at the Estadio Martínez Valero.
The 23-year-old was at the heart of everything for Real Sociedad, contributing to all three goals as his side secured a dramatic victory despite playing the final stages with 10 men.
Ochieng opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a powerful finish past Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro, marking his first professional goal and maiden strike in La Liga.
He turned provider around the half-hour mark after capitalising on a defensive mix-up between Pedro Bigas and Dituro. Ochieng won possession before setting up Yangel Herrera, who doubled Real Sociedad’s advantage.
Elche responded strongly, with Thomas Lemar and Fer Niño finding the net to bring the hosts level. Real Sociedad’s challenge became even tougher after Jon Martín was shown a red card, leaving them to defend their lead with a numerical disadvantage.
But Ochieng refused to fade.
In the 90th minute, the Kenyan produced another decisive moment, delivering the pass that allowed Luka Sučić to fire home the winning goal and seal a memorable 3-2 victory for Real Sociedad.
He completed the full match and was named Man of the Match after earning an impressive 9.0 rating.
Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo was full of praise for the young Kenyan after the final whistle.
“Job is a very interesting athletic profile. He’s not just fast, he can repeat it many times in the same match. He understands what we need and also his own virtues, which he used well until the end today,” Matarazzo said.
Spanish media described Real Sociedad’s victory as “agonizing and heroic”, with Ochieng earning particular praise for his work rate late in the match. One report highlighted his remarkable 50-metre sprint to win a corner as Real Sociedad fought to protect their advantage.
The performance came in only Ochieng’s fifth appearance for Real Sociedad’s first team, but its significance was much bigger for Kenyan football.
He became only the second Kenyan player to score in La Liga, following in the footsteps of Michael Olunga.
Born in Nairobi on January 17, 2003, Ochieng began his football journey through local academies, including Ligi Ndogo, before moving to Spain as a teenager to join CD Maspalomas.
He later progressed through Real Sociedad’s C and B teams, scoring nine goals during an impressive 2025-26 campaign before earning his opportunity with the senior squad this summer.
The powerful and pacey attacker can operate both as a forward and winger, qualities that have already drawn comparisons with former Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak. He has also earned international caps for the Harambee Stars.
Despite his outstanding individual display, Ochieng remained humble after the match, choosing to credit his teammates for their resilience after the red card.
For Kenya, however, the message from Spain is becoming increasingly clear.
Job Ochieng is no longer simply a promising Kenyan talent trying to break into European football. He is beginning to make his mark on one of the biggest stages in the game.
And on a night when Real Sociedad needed a hero, the Kenyan answered the call.
Good job, Ochieng!
