Harambee Stars striker Jonah Ayunga has made history after inspiring St. Mirren FC to lift the Scottish League Cup for the first time in 12 years.
The club celebrated a 3-1 victory over Celtic in the final held at Hampden Park on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with Ayunga scoring two crucial goals.
A Match to Remember
Ayunga’s performance was widely praised as one of the best of his career. The Kenyan forward struck early in the game, giving St. Mirren the lead.
A Match to Remember
Ayunga’s performance was widely praised as one of the best of his career. The Kenyan forward struck early in the game, giving St. Mirren the lead.
Although Celtic equalized through Rio Hatate, Ayunga restored his team’s advantage with a second goal, securing the victory and ending the club’s long wait for a major trophy.
“This is an incredible moment for me and the team. To play, score, and help win a cup I’ve dreamed about since I was 17—it’s something I will never forget,” Ayunga told the BBC after the match.
“This is an incredible moment for me and the team. To play, score, and help win a cup I’ve dreamed about since I was 17—it’s something I will never forget,” Ayunga told the BBC after the match.
“At nearly 30, this might have been my only chance to win a major final, so we had to make it count.”
The team approached the final with the motto “Faith over Fear,” a message from coach Stephen Robinson. This mindset was evident as the Saints played with confidence and determination, refusing to let pressure dictate their performance.
Despite the cup triumph, St. Mirren still faces challenges in the league. The team has struggled for consistency in the Scottish Premiership, with their top-six hopes fading early in the season.
The team approached the final with the motto “Faith over Fear,” a message from coach Stephen Robinson. This mindset was evident as the Saints played with confidence and determination, refusing to let pressure dictate their performance.
Despite the cup triumph, St. Mirren still faces challenges in the league. The team has struggled for consistency in the Scottish Premiership, with their top-six hopes fading early in the season.
A recent 2-0 victory over Dundee United ended a nine-match winless streak, but concerns about relegation remain.
“We are still near the bottom of the table, and the league is just as important as the cup,” Ayunga said.
“We are still near the bottom of the table, and the league is just as important as the cup,” Ayunga said.
“We know we must put together a series of good results if we want to move up. That is our goal going forward.”
Jonah Ayunga has steadily built a reputation as one of Kenya’s most talented forwards. Known for his agility, finishing skills, and ability to perform under pressure, Ayunga has become a key player for both club and country.
Jonah Ayunga has steadily built a reputation as one of Kenya’s most talented forwards. Known for his agility, finishing skills, and ability to perform under pressure, Ayunga has become a key player for both club and country.
His performance in the Scottish League Cup final further cemented his status as a rising star in European football.
This victory not only brings joy to the fans in Paisley but also shines a spotlight on Kenyan footballers making their mark internationally. It serves as inspiration for young players back home, proving that talent, hard work, and perseverance can lead to success on big stages.
Looking Ahead
With the League Cup trophy secured, St. Mirren and Ayunga must now focus on maintaining their league position.
This victory not only brings joy to the fans in Paisley but also shines a spotlight on Kenyan footballers making their mark internationally. It serves as inspiration for young players back home, proving that talent, hard work, and perseverance can lead to success on big stages.
Looking Ahead
With the League Cup trophy secured, St. Mirren and Ayunga must now focus on maintaining their league position.
Avoiding relegation will be crucial if the club wants to continue building on this historic success. Fans are hopeful that the momentum from the cup win can translate into a stronger league campaign.
For Ayunga personally, the triumph is a career milestone.
For Ayunga personally, the triumph is a career milestone.
“Winning this trophy means everything. It shows that dedication pays off, and it motivates me to keep striving for more, both for my team and my country,” he added.
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