Halftime: Austin’s goal sends fans into frenzy in Harambee Stars opener
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 3, 2025Austin Odhiambo wrote his name into Kenyan football folklore by scoring the Harambee Stars’ first goal in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), firing the hosts ahead against two-time winners DR Congo in their Group A opener at a fully packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
The breakthrough came in the final moments of the first half, during stoppage time. Austine danced through DR Congo’s defence before slotting home a nicely worked shot at the bottom corner.
The stadium erupted as the 25-year-old Gor Mahia midfielder raced toward the corner flag in celebration, having given Kenya a dream start in their CHAN debut.
PHOTO/Screengrab by People Daily Digital
Odhiambo’s goal crowned a dominant first-half display by the Harambee Stars, who controlled 64.9 per cent of possession and boasted a pass accuracy of 80 per cent, significantly better than DR Congo’s 69 per cent. Despite this, the Leopards had more attempts at goal, registering six shots compared to Kenya’s three. The visitors looked dangerous on the break but lacked sharpness in the final third, with goalkeeper Omondi standing firm.
PHOTO/@OfficialGMFC/X
Odhiambo steps up big
Odhiambo, born on 16 December 1999 in Siaya, is no stranger to the big stage. A former AFC Leopards player and current Gor Mahia star, he was recently named the 2023–24 Kenyan Premier League Most Valuable Player. He has represented Kenya at U20 and U23 levels and made his senior debut earlier this year, scoring during the 2024 COSAFA Cup.
Head coach Benni McCarthy, who took charge of the national team in March, has had to make bold decisions amid notable absences. Key forwards Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro moved abroad, while rising star Mohamed Bajaber transferred to Tanzania’s Simba SC. Injuries to Pamba Swaleh and Brian Musa added to the selection woes. Yet McCarthy’s trust in Odhiambo and others in his youthful squad has paid early dividends.
On the opposite bench, DR Congo’s coach Otis Ngoma fielded an experienced side aiming to rebound from their goalless 2022 CHAN campaign. But despite their superior shot count and attacking intent, they struggled to break down a well-organised Kenyan defence.
As the second half commenced, fans dared to believe in a famous win. Kenya’s Group A challenge remains daunting, with Morocco, Zambia, and Angola waiting. But after Odhiambo’s first-half heroics, the Stars have made a powerful opening statement: they are not here to make up the numbers—they are here to compete.