Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam (left) and attacking midfielder Austine Odhiambo.
In Olympics track and field, the marquee race is generally considered to be the 100m sprints. A highly anticipated race to determine the fastest human being.
In a team sport like football, the tournament title is obviously the big prize but the decidedly marquee race is for the competition’s Golden Boot award. That man, or woman, whose singular effort -- scoring goals, earns him the tag of top scorer.
As the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) enters its quarter-final stage tomorrow and Saturday no less than 12 players are in contention for the prestigious award including Kenya’s Ryan Ogam and Austine Odhiambo, on two goals each.
Harambee Stars' Ryan Ogam celebrates his goal against Morocco during their Chan Group 'A' match at Kasarani on August 10, 2025.
The leading scorers though are three, Renaissance de Berkane’s 29-year-old attacking midfielder Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), Richards Bay’s striker Thabiso Kutumela (South Africa), and Vipers’ attacking midfielder Allan Okello (Uganda), all on three points.
Kutumela though cannot add to his tally after Bafana Bafana were eliminated in the group stages on Monday.
Deadly accuracy inside the box
Tusker hitman Ogam has been heating up after a slow start. His instincts and deadly accuracy inside the box have seen him score in consecutive matches and the 20-year-old is relishing the top scorers race.
Oussama Lamlioui of Morocco displays his man of the match trophy after the Group 'A' African Nations Championship match against the Democratic Republic of Congo at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on August 17, 2025.
"I really want that Golden Boot ward. I have my scoring touch back. After suffering an injury last season that kept me out for three months, my form has returned, and I believe I can score," said Ogam with intent.
Gor Mahia’s attacking midfielder Odhiambo has found the net with a sublime sliding effort and a spot kick in three matches played. You feel he has much more to offer in this department.
Other Golden Boot contenders on two goals each are Mohammed Rabie Hrimat of Morocco, Clement Mzize of Tanzania, Madagasca’s Lalaina Rfanomezantsoa, Algeria’s Sofiane Bayazid and Abdel Raouf of Sudan.
Harambee Stars player Austine Odhiamdo celebrates his goal against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group 'A' match of 2024 African Nations Championship at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on August 3, 2025.
They will get a chance to increase their strike rate in the pressure cooker knock-out stage.
Ayoub el Kaabi of Morocco holds the record of most goals scored in a single edition, seven, in the 2018 finals held in his home country.
A total of 69 goals have so far been scored in the 2024 Chan from the 36 group matches, an average of 1.9 goals a match.
Ogam goals gave Kenya slime 1-0 victories against Morocco and Zambia in their Group 'A' encounters.
"It's a great feeling scoring for the national team. God made it happen. The coaches and technical bench have contributed to the team's success. We are very focused and want to be consistent in winning," Ogam noted.
"We were in a group of death, but we proved we can play on big platforms. We will approach the Madagascar game with the same mentality as previous matches."
Rumours are circulating that Ogam is being courted by Kenyan giants Gor Mahia.
Last Friday, pictured circulated on social media showing Gor Mahia deputy patron Eliud Owalo meeting Ogam's parents.
"I won't talk about it now. As of now, I am a Tusker FC player. Maybe I will check the offers from other clubs after the tournament," Ogam offered
Gor Mahia announced last week the signing of Harambee Stars players right-back Lewis Bandi and defender Michael Kibwage from AFC Leopards, defender Mohammed Siraj and goalkeeper Bryne Omondi from Bandari.
