Midfielder Austine Odhiambo has dedicated his goal that propelled Kenya to 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2024 African Nations Championships (Chan) on Sunday to his mother.
On Sunday, the Gor Mahia midfielder beat DR Congo’s defence and sliced the ball into the net with his left foot at the stroke of half-time, sending home fans at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, into a frenzy.
Afterwards, the attacking midfielder, who is an alumnus of Ambira High School and Our Lady of Fatima Secondary School, dedicated the match-winning goal to his mother.
“I dedicate the goal to my mother, who has supported my career since my youth,” Odhiambo said afterwards. The 25-year-old scored the decisive goal in the second minute of first-half stoppage time after receiving a pass from forward David Sakwa, who was played in by right back Daniel Sakari. Odhiambo kept his cool, dribbled past DR Congo’s defenders, and fired home from outside the box.
Reflecting on the goal, Odhiambo explained: “I remained composed after receiving the ball. Upon noticing that the DRC defender was back-pedalling, I knew it was my chance to score, but I had to be patient and tactful; rushing it could have cost me the opportunity,” the dread-locked player observed.
Asked how he feels to have scored the winner in such a key match, Odhiambo rated the goal “seven out of 10”, saying it wasn’t his best either. The 2023/2024 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) Most Valuable Player said it was a privilege for him to represent Kenya at the tournament, adding that he was happy to have played and to get the winning goal.
“We now shift our focus to the next game, which is very crucial. We are ready for the match against Angola. The fans came out in large numbers, and this gave us the morale to push more, and we had to do it for them,” the former AFC Leopards player said.
Harambee Stars coach Bennie McCarthy congratulated the team on the victory and singled out Odhiambo for special praise.
“He has the potential, but at times he is inconsistent in scoring, but I am content with him,” said the former South African international.
Stars, second in Group “A” with three points, will play Angola on Thursday from 7pm at MISC, Kasarani. Morocco leads the group with the same points as Kenya, but with a superior goal difference following their 2-0 win over Angola at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
Born in 2001 in the Kariadudu area of Babadogo in Nairobi to Evaline Atieno and Barrack Otieno, Odhiambo is the third child in a family of four children, two boys and two girls. He is the younger brother of Harambee Stars midfielder Tyson Otieno, who previously played for Kenyan league champions Police FC before leaving at the end of last season.
He is a creative and skilful player, known for his dribbling, set pieces, and ability to score and assist with either foot, though he prefers playing with the right foot.
He joined Gor Mahia in 2021 and has been key to their success, winning a record-extending title at the club in the 2023/24 season. He started his career with AFC Leopards’ youth team before being promoted to the senior team. He made his national team debut last year in Cosafa Cup played in South Africa, and scored his first international goal in Kenya’s 2-0 win against Zimbabwe in a Man-of-the-Match performance.
On Sunday, Odhiambo’s goal, Kenya’s first in the history of Chan, guaranteed every person in Harambee Stars’ 40-member squad Sh1 million for winning the match. The goal also made Kasarani the 29th match venue to witness a goal in the history of Chan. Odhiambo’s goal was the tournament’s 420th overall.
“Austine Odhiambo is a star, but his star has risen exponentially now,” the match commentator’s voice thundered on the loudspeakers at MISC, Kasarani, after Odhiambo’s goal.
