Gor defender Omija reveals personal and Harambee’s targets in CHAN
By Luke Oluoch, July 18, 2025Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija has spoken out on his personal targets and those of the team as Kenya angles for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship.
Speaking to Tata Sports on Friday, July 18, 2025, the centre back stated they are determined to make it to the finals of this year’s edition, which will be staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium.
Omija expressed optimism that despite landing in a tough Group A, Benni McCarthy’s team will cope with the demands of battling against formidable adversaries.
Playing in the Finals
“Inasmuch as we are playing in CHAN, we also seek opportunities to play abroad. We are not under pressure: we are focused on our game and are relaxed and focused on playing our football. We have our targets to reach the final as the host nation. We know every team will also come with similar targets, but we will approach that goal one game at a time, and we hope we do well,” he said.
“Our group has good teams. On our part, we only have to remain committed. We will do our best, As I said, we will do our best to reach the final,” he stated.
Omija’s take comes a couple of days after coach Benni McCarthy also weighed in on Harambee Stars’ chances in the group.
Speaking to a local publication, the SA tactician stated that his charges were prepared for the fight in what he termed a pool of death.
“It is clear for everyone to see, and to know that we are in a group of death; it is an impossible group to be in, but a fantastic challenge for us, you know, to see how far we have come and where we are at as a football nation,” the South African opined.
Hopeful
“It will be a nice challenge,” McCarthy continued: “DR Congo they have won the CHAN tournament twice in previous years, Morocco has won it twice also in previous years, and Angola has just won the COSAFA, so they are teams with big pedigree. Don’t forget Zambia is also been a massive name in African history.
“But along comes Kenya, but I think we have got everything in our path to succeed, the players are well prepared, they are ready for the challenge, and the fact that we play at home, we will have so many thousands of Kenyan supporters that will be behind the team, and spur the team on, I think we are excited and ready for the challenge.”