Gor Mahia FC has singled out defender Sylvester Owino for praise for his role in marshalling the Harambee Stars’ defence at the ongoing African Nations Championship.

Featuring alongside teammate Alphonce Omija, the pair displayed yet another spirited performance for the second game running as Stars battled to a one-all draw against Angola in their second group clash of the African Nations Champions.

Owino was not only instrumental in the defensive responsibilities but also pivotal on the offensive front, coming close to scoring a second-half winner from a set-piece situation.

Pillar!

“SOLID. Sylvester Owino is one of the pillars at the back for Harambee Stars… the center-back is doing well. Keep going jatugo,” the club lauded the defender on Friday, August 8, 2025.

His acknowledgement followed moments after the team had equally extolled Omija for his brilliant display against the COSAFA-based side.

“Alphonce Omija is delivering as expected for Harambee Stars… boy is performing well at the back. Thumps up, Omija,” Gor said.

Meanwhile, one of the team’s debutants in the clash, Edward Omondi, has opened up on how his national team’s first game went down in the massively attended clash at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The attacker revealed battling feelings of stage fright in the early stages of the clash as he made his debut under the floodlights.

Nervous

“It was my first time to play in front of such a massively crowded pitch. I was a bit nervous, I have to admit. I cannot say I have ever played in such an atmosphere before. But it was awesome,” he said.

Omondi, who lasted for almost the entire duration of the tie, was, however, praiseworthy of the unrivaled support shown by the fans, coming after a similar rousing atmosphere was witnessed in the opening game.

“The fans coming in large numbers gave us the motivation to play well. We could not allow them to go home disappointed, so we gave our all in the clash,” he added.

Fans factor

He also lauded the spirited performance of the lads, having played the entirety of the game with one less man, following Marvin Nabwire’s dismissal twenty minutes into the game.

 “We are thankful for the outcome of the game. I have been ready and waiting, in line with the coach’s message. He has been urging me to push to my limits and be ready for my opportunity,” he stated.

Having been initially included in the provisional list for the 2024 games, Omondi was later dropped before last-minute changes gave him a second chance with the national outfit.

The draw saw Harambe Stars top the five-team Group A with four points, one ahead of Morocco.

Kenya will next play against North African giants Morocco on Sunday, August 10, 2025, before concluding the group tie phases against Zambia.