Carlisle United head coach Rob Elliott has praised Harambee Stars forward Micah Obiero after the Kenya international completed more than 35 hours of travelling from Africa before helping the National League side to a 3-1 victory over Aldershot Town on Saturday.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe 25-year-old returned to England in the early hours of matchday after featuring for Kenya in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers but still made himself available for the trip to the EBB Stadium.After being introduced in the second half, the forward capped his cameo with a stoppage-time goal to seal Carlisle’s second consecutive victory.##NAJAVA_MECA_10000335##His performance particularly impressed Elliott, who revealed the demanding journey the new signing had undertaken before linking up with the squad.“Micah has done about 35 hours of travelling in the last two days; he didn't get back until two o'clock yesterday from Africa,” the Carlisle boss explained.The long trip came after the Kenyan had featured in Conakry on Thursday, playing the opening 45 minutes as Harambee Stars fell to a 1-0 defeat against Guinea in their second AFCON qualifying match.Junior Starlets captain Awuor sets World Cup final targetHe had also played 79 minutes in Kenya’s 1-1 draw with Eritrea in the previous qualifier.Despite the limited recovery time, the Carlisle attacker entered the contest after the break and showed no signs of the heavy schedule, helping his side protect their advantage before finding the net late on.Elliott was particularly pleased with the forward’s physical presence and combination play during his brief spell on the pitch.##NAJAVA_MECA_10006889##“His link-up play and his strength were superb; there's so much to come from Micah.”Carlisle had been unsure whether the former Wealdstone player would make it back in time for the Aldershot fixture, given the tight turnaround following his international commitments.The 40-year-old had hoped to have him available after Kenya’s second qualifier and was delighted when the player eventually reported for duty.Mombasa United coach reveals ingredient needed to overcome Sharks in second leg“Fingers crossed we'll have Micah back before Saturday, which helps with the squad. The intention is that hopefully he comes back after the second qualifier. He turned up today and performed.”The late strike from the Kenyan completed a memorable day for the Blues, who had taken control through David Ajiboye’s first-half brace before Dominic Odusanya pulled one back for Aldershot.Carlisle have now climbed to 14th in the National League with 16 points from 12 matches.Mombasa United coach explains how fans inspired first-leg playoff win over Kariobangi SharksWith a week before their next fixture against Kidderminster Harriers, Elliott wants his players to maintain the momentum generated by their successive wins.“We just need to make sure we keep that mentality and keep going into the week. Recover, train properly and get ready for Saturday. We need to put that mentality that we've shown the last two games into the match against Kidderminster; they’re a team that’ve started very well.”
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