When Mark Ochieng scored his top quality winning goal against Melbourne City last weekend, the first thing he did post-match was call his dad.
The Kenyan-born right back’s stunning effort sent the rafters at Coopers Stadium into a state of unbridled delirium, but for the young man the most important thing was family.
“When it came I was very happy with myself and I was excited, the first I did was call Dad and let him know and he was very happy with me,” Ochieng said after the game.
“I’m Kenyan, I’m originally from Nairobi, came her when I was nine years old through Dad getting a job, so I came here in 2006 I think.
“After that I started playing through the junior ranks, came through the AIS and lucky enough I got a gig through Adelaide United.
“[Dad] didn’t know [about the goal] because he didn’t have internet on him, but the first thing I did was try to get in contact with him, then sent him the footage straight away,” he said.
Ochieng’s goal delivered United just its second win of the season. Having been locked in a one-all stalemate for most of the match, it looked as though once again the Reds were not going to be rewarded for quality football with three points.
But in just his third A-League game the 20-year-old sprinted down the centre of the pitch in a perfect counter attacking move to latch on to Sergio Guardiola’s outstanding pass.
With just the keeper to beat he ran almost half the pitch and found the top corner of the net.
The clock showed 90 minutes; the fourth official’s board asked for five added on, and Adelaide was able to keep Melbourne City at bay to take the spoils in one of the season’s most memorable matches.
While the pundits looked on in awe, Ochieng himself wasn’t that surprised that he was able to find a winning goal as a late substitute.
“From a right back position, I still look to go forward, still look to shoot.
” he said.
“I’m very positive minded when I come on the pitch, whenever I get the opportunity I just take it when I can.
”
Ochieng’s winner was just reward for an Adelaide side that dominated the match, and has played well without a win for a number of weeks.
In a season of doom and gloom, it’s just what the doctor ordered at Coopers Stadium.
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