Through their grit, organisation and personal flair, goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, striker Ryan Ogam, defender Sylvester Owino, midfielder Austine Odhiambo, and centreback Suleiman Mansur are among the players who have personified Kenya’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championships (Chan).
After playing four matches, Kenya leads Group ‘A’ with 10 points, followed by Morocco on nine points. Democratic Republic of Congo finished third on six points, followed by Angola on four points, while Zambia are bottom with zero points. Kenya and Morocco progressed to the quarter-final stage from the pool. Here, Nation Sport looks at some of the players who have been instrumental in Kenya’s campaign thus far.
Byrne Omondi, 28 Gor Mahia.
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The 28-year-old goalkeeper has justified his inclusion in the squad after initially being left out. The former Bandari man, who has since joined Kenyan football giants Gor Mahia, started in all Harambee Stars’ opening three matches against two-time champions DRC, Angola and Morocco, rising to the occasion with crucial saves that ensured the hosts walked off the pitch with their heads high.
His sharp reflexes and good communication with his defenders have been superb, and is part of the reason Kenya has conceded one goal in the group stage.
Harambee Stars defeated both DRC and Morocco 1-0, while against Angola, they battled to a 1-1. Against giants Morocco, Omondi’s performance was so impressive that he was named man of the match. He only missed the clash against Zambia as coach Benni McCarthy opting to hand goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo a chance, a decision perhaps influenced by the fact that Harambee Stars had qualified for the quarter-final round.
Ryan Ogam, 20, Tusker FC.
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The 20-year-old Tusker FC forward has perfectly filled the void left by strikers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro, who pulled out of the squad to join Zambian giants Power Dynamos. He has come to Kenya’s rescue with two crucial goals – against Morocco, and Zambia – and now has his sights set on clinching the tournament’s Golden Boot award.
Having just resumed playing in late June after being sidelined for over two months with a knee injury, the performance by Dagoretti High School alumnus in the competition has been encouraging. He finished third in the race for last season’s FKF-PL golden boot award with 15 goals. Shumah and Osoro led with 17 and 16 goals, respectively.
Sylvester Owino, 24 Gor Mahia.
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The 24-year-old defender stands out as the only player in the Harambee Stars squad for the Chan tournament to have played all minutes in Kenya’s four group matches. Deployed at the heart of defence, the Gor Mahia man has been rock-solid for the hosts, consistently neutralising threats in Kenya’s box with his towering presence. Even under pressure, Owino has shown great composure in the box and posed a threat in transition.
Austin Odhiambo, 23 Gor Mahia.
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Nicknamed “Rolls Royce” by Gor Mahia fans, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder has quickly become the fan favourite in the tournament.
He has captivated the home supporters with his sleek ball movement, elegant dribbling and clinical finishing – constantly tormenting the opponents’ defence. Odhiambo scored a beautiful goal against DRC, rounding a defender inside the box, before slicing the ball into the net with his left foot.
Against Angola, he calmly converted a penalty after he was fouled inside the box.
Naturally a center-back, the 19-year-old has perfectly fitted in his new role as a defensive midfielder in the Chan tournament. Mansur possesses the ability to break up play and launch quick transitions, features that have seen him earn the trust of coach McCarthy. The KCB FC man started in Harambee Stars’ opening three matches against DRC, Morocco and Angola, playing a pivotal role in Kenya’s strong performance in the matches. Against Zambia on Sunday, Mansur came in as a second-half substitute, adding stability in Harambee Stars’ midfield.
Michael Kibwage, 27 Tusker.
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Introduced as a second-half substitute in Kenya’s match against DRC, the 27-year-old defender quickly stamped his authority on the pitch.
His leadership qualities earned him the armband in the next match against Morocco, where he guided 10-man Kenya to a brave stand before captain Abud Omar was introduced late. On Sunday against Zambia, the former Tusker man made a goal-line clearance in the seventh minute to deny “Chipolopolo” the lead.
Alphonce Omija, 22 Gor Mahia
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The 22-year-old has been another rock in Kenya’s defence, standing out with timely clearances and aerial dominance. His contributions have been crucial in Kenya’s strong campaign, highlighted by a goal-line clearance against DRC. When 10-man Kenya needed to protect their slim 1-0 lead over Morocco, he was among the players coach McCarthy turned to in the second half, and he did not disappoint.
Boniface Muchiri, 28 Ulinzi stars.
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The soft-spoken, speedy winger was instrumental in Kenya’s win against Zambia on Sunday. After coming in the second half, the KDF man tormented the Zambian defence with his dangerous crosses. After tricking a Zambian player, he delivered a weighted pass to Ogam, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
Special mention to Alpha Onyango, who was named the man-of-the-match against DRC, captain Abud Omar, who has led by example and defenders Mohamed Siraj and Lewis Bandi, who were outstanding for Kenya against Morocco.
