Harambee Stars ace Edward Omondi has admitted to battling feelings of stage fright during his debut with the national team on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Omondi was a late call-up to the national team by Benni McCarthy, after injuries and a transfer of Mohammed Bajaber to Simba SC left the SA tactician with the decision of filling the voids created.

He was handed a rare starting debut in Kenya’s second CHAN clash against Angola, in several rotations made by the coach following the team’s opening day victory against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Nervous

“It was my first time to play infront 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.

Ondimo, as he is affectionately known by his peers, 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.

He was called up alongside Tusker FC midfielder Chrispine Erambo and Shabana’s Brian Michira on Monday, July 28, barely a week before the championship opening game.

During the tie, Austine Odhiambo, who notched Kenya’s opening goal against DR Congo, stepped up and confidently converted a penalty in the 11th minute.

The goal restored parity in the tie after Angola had struck first in the seventh minute when striker Jó Paciência capitalised on a defensive lapse to calmly slot the ball past Kenya’s Byrne Odhiambo.

The 29-year-old forward, formerly of Cape Town City, showed composure and precision to give Pedro Gonçalves’ side a dream start.

The held outcome saw Kenya remain unbeaten and leap atop the CHAN 2024 Group A rankings with four points.

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