The People's Playmaker: Odhiambo's CHAN magic unites Kenya

CAF

a day ago

Gor Mahia's dazzling playmaker is capturing hearts and headlines as he leads the Harambee Stars' CHAN charge
Flair. Composure. Vision. Few players in Kenyan football embody these qualities quite like Austin Odhiambo.
With feet as silky as his passing range is sharp, Odhiambo has become the beating heart of Gor Mahia's midfield—and now, he's writing his name into the history books with the Harambee Stars.
Nicknamed 'Rolls Royce' by adoring Gor Mahia fans for his smoothness and control, and even hailed by some as the 'Kenyan JJ Okocha' , Odhiambo is a player who excites, entices, and elevates.
And last Sunday, he added another layer to his growing legend—scoring Kenya's first-ever goal at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) in a 1-0 win over giants DR Congo.
'We were making history. It was our first CHAN match ever, and we had to make a statement,' Odhiambo told CAFOnline.
'It was a difficult game, but starting with a win gives us massive momentum.'
That goal—coolly slotted past the keeper after a sweeping move—ignited a wave of euphoria at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, further endearing Odhiambo to an already massive fanbase.
But this moment wasn't handed to him—it was earned.
Despite his obvious talent, Odhiambo's path to national team recognition has been rocky.
Under former coach Engin Firat, he was often overlooked. Even with new boss Benni McCarthy, Odhiambo missed the first two matches due to club commitments and the coach's preference for players he had assessed in training.
But now, with his chance finally here, Odhiambo is grabbing it with both feet.
'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,' he said.
It's not just the coaching staff that believes in him. Odhiambo is one of the rare players to have featured for both of Kenya's fierce rivals—AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia—and yet commands respect and love from both fanbases.
In fact, he might be the only player in the country who has banners, chants, and songs dedicated to him from both sides of the divide.
'It's amazing to have that kind of love,' he beams.
'But it comes with pressure too. You always want to perform and not disappoint. The fans give you that extra push. It's a privilege I truly appreciate.'
Now firmly in the spotlight, Odhiambo's sights are set on something even greater—bringing CHAN glory to Kenya.
'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.'
Next up is Angola, a side reeling from a 2-0 defeat to Morocco and desperate for redemption.
But Odhiambo insists confidence is high in the Kenyan camp, and the players are focused on sustaining their winning momentum.
'We respect Angola, but our belief is strong. Morale is high, and we know a win puts us in a great position. We're ready to fight for it.'
Beyond the results, Odhiambo knows that CHAN offers more than just trophies—it's a platform.
'This is a historical moment for Kenya. We're showing the world that Kenya isn't just about athletics—we have football talent too. This tournament can open doors for our futures.'
Odhiambo has always been a fan favourite.
Now, he's becoming a national icon, a leader not just by words but by the way he plays. And if his first CHAN performance is anything to go by, Austin Odhiambo is ready to orchestrate Kenya's march to greatness.