Austine Odhiambo: Meet Harambee Stars Player Shining at CHAN 2024
- Austine Odhiambo has been the Harambee Stars hero at the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN)
- The Gor Mahia midfielder has scored two of Kenya's goals against DR Congo and Angola, and is now one of the first names on the team sheet
- Odhiambo's journey to the national team took him from Siaya county to Nairobi, a path made possible through his unwavering hard work
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The Harambee Stars have played two matches so far at CHAN 2024, against DR Congo and Angola, scoring two goals, both from Austine Odhiambo.
Source: Twitter
Kenya narrowly defeated DR Congo 1-0 in their first game last Sunday, August 3, at Kasarani Stadium and then held Angola 1-1 after playing more than 70 minutes with 10 men.
They are at the top of Group A but will be tested by North African giants Morocco. They will be hoping to register a positive result to boost their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Who is Austine Odhiambo?
Austine Odhiambo was born in 1999 in Siaya county and has spent his entire career in Kenya so far. Before turning professional, Odhiambo made a name for himself at Baba Dogo grounds.
The attacking midfielder started his senior career at AFC Leopards before making a controversial move to bitter rivals Gor Mahia, where he still plays.
Last year, he was named the Kenya Premier League Most Valuable Player for the 2023/24 season.
Who are Austin Odhiambo's parents?
Odhiambo was born to Barrack and Everyne Otieno in Siaya county, and they watched their son score for Kenya at CHAN 2024 on television.
In a story by Citizen Digital, Odhiambo's parents celebrated joyfully after their son scored a 12th-minute penalty against Angola. His mother couldn’t contain her joy and spun around to celebrate.
Odhiambo and members of the Harambee Stars have received KSh 1.5 million from the government so far for their efforts in the tournament.
“When the money got to his account, Austine sent us money immediately. We were the first ones to receive it,” Everlyne said. “We were so happy, and we laughed and told him, ‘Let God stand with you.’”
“He said to me, ‘Dad, when I play for the national team, you will be proud,’” Barrack Otieno said.
Interestingly, Odhiambo's brother, Tyson, plays for last season's Kenyan champions, Kenya Police.
Source: Twitter
When did Odhiambo make his Harambee Stars debut?
The 23-year-old made his Harambee Stars debut in 2024 during the COSAFA tournament and has since become a key member of Benni McCarthy's team.
He started both CHAN 2024 matches and scored Kenya's two goals.
“It’s been an unbelievable journey filled with ups and downs. But I always say with time, everything aligns. Coach Benni has shown great trust in us, and that’s important. We just have to take our chances,” Odhiambo said.
He believes they can win their first major trophy on August 30.
“We’re united as a team. We’re at home, and the fans are behind us. That’s the energy we need to push all the way to the final. One game at a time, we believe we can go all the way.”
Did Benni McCarthy criticise his players?
In another story, we reported on Benni McCarthy's criticism of his players after the draw with Angola.
The South African legend reprimanded his team for making costly mistakes during the match.
He also pointed out the sluggish start by his team in their opening match against DR Congo.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
