Nondi delighted after goal for Kenya on debut
By Vincent Voiyoh, September 11, 2023Harambee Stars midfielder Amos Nondi is elated after netting his first goal for the national football team on Thursday night against last year’s World Cup hosts Qatar in a memorable 2-1 win at the iconic Al-Janoub Stadium in Doha.
While the match seemed to be headed for a 1-1 draw in the final minutes, skipper Michael Olunga held the ball brilliantly, setting up Nondi who produced a calm finish with a right-foot tap inside the box to send the stadium into an elation, giving Kenya the bragging rights away from home.
Nondi, who plays for Armenian club Ararat, says that goal against Qatar is revolutionary and could be a stepping stone towards better tidings for Harambee Stars in future assignments.
“Scoring my first goal for Harambee Stars is really a great feeling,not only for me but for my family and the country at large. For sure it is difficult to put this feeling into words but definitely I am extremely delighted”, he dold People Daily Sport.
The 24-year-old former Gor mahia midfielder had this to say about his winning goal that has since raised the hopes of the country giving a good show in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
“It is a revolutionary goal,we are coming up well through gradual improvements and things will be better. This is a great step for us, and those who had lost hope in us can dream and smile again.
“The coach is trying to make a formidable squad that will be ready to compete against Gabon and Seychelles in November and the other teams in the Group and optimistic that will get good results when that time comes”.
Heading into the second successive friendly match on Tuesday at Kasarani Stadium against South Sudan, Nondi has further challenged fans in the country to emulate what the Kenyans in Qatar did on Thursday evening when they showed up in large numbers to support Harambee Stars.
“I urge the fans to come out in masses to support us on Tuesday, you saw what happened in Qatar, Kenyans and East Africans charged the stadium in our favour. Please come to the Stadium and support the national team and we promise to give a good you another good outing”, Nondi added.
Meanwhile, South Sudan landed in the capital yesterday ready for the Tuesday 4pm kick off test match at the Kasarani Stadium.
Football Kenya Federation has revealed that Abdoulkalim Twagirumkiza from Rwanda will be the centre referee of the game.