Austin Odhiambo: Harambee Stars Players Thank Gor Mahia Star As Ruto Fulfils Promise
- Harambee Stars captain Aboud Omar beautifully thanked Austin Odhiambo for making the team the new millionaires in town
- Odhiambo scored the winner in Harambee Stars' game against DR Congo on Sunday in their CHAN 2024 opener
- The goal prompted President William Ruto to fulfil his promise of KSh 1 million per player for every win at the continental competition
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Austin Odhiambo's plaudits have continued to flow in following his remarkable performance on Sunday afternoon.
Source: Twitter
The Gor Mahia playmaker scored the only goal of the game to help Kenya's men's national football team beat the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It was just the start Harambee Stars needed to open their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign in a tough-looking Group A.
Odhiambo's goal itself was a work of pure magic. The move started with Daniel Sakari on the right flank, who found David Sakwa. Sakwa played a first-time ball into Odhiambo's path.
With Ryan Ogam and Masoud Juma screaming for the ball inside the box, Odhiambo kept his composure, skipped past a DR Congo defender and left him on the floor before slotting calmly past Brudel Efonge.
Apart from the three points, Odhiambo's goal also secured a KSh 1 million prize money per player from President William Ruto.
Has Ruto paid Harambee Stars the bonuses?
Ruto had earlier promised the players they would get KSh 1 million each for every win and KSh 500,000 for every draw.
It is a promise that has since been fulfilled, with State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed confirming the money has already been wired to the players.
"President William Ruto has fulfilled his commitment to pay KSh1 million each to all 27 Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench, a total of KSh42 million, following the national team's 1-0 win over the DRC on Sunday," he said on his X account.
"Sports ministry officials led by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya delivered the funds, and a similar reward awaits the team after Thursday’s game against Angola."
A video has now emerged online of Harambee Stars players led by captain Aboud Omar thanking Odhiambo for the goal.
Omar uploaded the video on his TikTok page as the players were making their way back to the team hotel after the game.
The Kenya Police star thanked his teammate before warmly shaking his hand in a beautiful gesture.
After getting the first million, one can only hope Harambee Stars players will be more motivated to chase more glory in the coming games.
Speaking after the game, Odhiambo admitted that the game was tough and they needed to do better in subsequent games.
"The game was tough; honestly, DR Congo were the better side, but did not use their chances. We got ours and made good use of it. We need to improve our game and ball management because we were losing a lot of balls," he said in the mixed zone.
Source: UGC
"I am happy with the goal and the win. It motivates me to fight even harder for the team and the country. Our dream is to go all the way and win the title. We know it’s a big challenge, but we are ready to give our best."
They face back-to-back tough tests in four days. First up will be Angola on Thursday night, before they play Morocco on Sunday afternoon.
Who is Austin Odhiambo?
Odhiambo is a 1999-born player, is a Kakamega High School alumnus. He played for AFC Leopards before making the switch to their Mashemeji rivals, Gor Mahia FC.
It is at K'Ogalo that he fully blew up as a proper talent.
His crowning moment came last season when he was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Year Award in the league as Gor Mahia won a record-extending title.
Man United players congratulate Benni McCarthy
In a related report, Manchester United players congratulated Benni McCarthy after his win over DR Congo.
It was McCarthy's first competitive win as Kenya's boss after previously training Manchester United's forwards.
Goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana reacted to his post on Instagram after the game.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
