Olunga applauds Austin’s impressive shift with TBT picture of his humble start
By Valerian Khakayi, August 3, 2025Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has celebrated Austin Odhiambo’s standout performance in Kenya’s 1-0 CHAN 2024 victory over DR Congo, sharing a powerful throwback photo of the young midfielder’s journey from grassroots football to the national stage.
This comes after the midfielder netted the only goal of the match at Kasarani, securing Kenya’s crucial CHAN opener win.
Taking to social media on Sunday, August 3, 2025, shortly after the match, Olunga praised Odhiambo for his maturity on the pitch and reflected on the progress the player has made over the years.
Olunga’s message highlights Odhiambo’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a game-changer for Harambee Stars.
“As long as there is life, there is hope. Well, in Austo. MOFA’s vision will soon make sense,” Olunga said as he congratulated Odhiambo.
His support for Odhiambo is not only personal but symbolic of the larger vision to uplift Kenya’s domestic football.
Victory
The match was a tightly contested affair, with Harambee Stars showing composure and discipline throughout.
The lone goal came in the first half from Austin Odhiambo, the creative playmaker from Gor Mahia, who fired home after a slick move in the additional half-time minutes.
Austin danced through DR Congo’s defence before slotting home a nicely worked shot at the bottom corner.
The crowd erupted as Kenya took the lead against one of Africa’s most experienced sides, two-time CHAN champions DR Congo.
The win gives Harambee Stars an early advantage in the qualifiers and renewed hope of progressing further in the tournament.
As the CHAN tournament continues, all eyes will be on Odhiambo to see if he can maintain the momentum and inspire Harambee Stars to further success.
Odhiambo on CHAN tournament
On Friday, July 18, 2025, Odhiambo assured Kenyans that the team’s aim is to reach the final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (Chan) and lift the trophy on home soil.
According to the 25-year-old Odhiambo, who formerly turned out for Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side AFC Leopards and has been part of the Kenya U-20 and U-23 sides, by virtue of Kenya hosting the final, Harambee Stars have set their target of playing in front of their fans and winning it.
“It is a privilege to represent the national team, and again it comes with a lot of pressure because we have the tournament on our home soil, so we have to represent the country well, and there are no excuses for playing badly,”he said.
“We are hosting the tournament, and we must have the aim of winning it. As players, we must have that winning mentality; we must aim to be champions every time we play in a tournament. So in my opinion, we have the character to play well and win the trophy.”