Austin Odhiambo: Why Dreadlocked Gor Mahia Star Is Fired Up to Crush Angola at CHAN

On Sunday, one player lit up the Kasarani Stadium and stole the spotlight in Kenya’s opening African Nations Championship (CHAN) fixture — Austine Rolls-Royce Odhiambo.

The Gor Mahia attacking midfielder, known for his dreadlocked swagger and silky footwork, netted the all-important goal that sealed a 1-0 win for Harambee Stars over DR Congo’s Leopards in front of a roaring home crowd.

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The 26-year-old midfield maestro proved once again why he is currently the most talked-about player in Kenyan football, earning the nation a crucial three points in the eighth edition of CHAN.

“I want to help Kenya win the African Nations Championship (CHAN) trophy, so it's the reason I'm so hungry to pump in goals,” said Odhiambo, brimming with confidence.

Odhiambo’s goal has not only lifted national hope, but also fueled his own fire heading into Harambee Stars' second group clash against Angola tomorrow.

"I want to score another one on Thursday, I want to pump in many goals in this tournament, I want to see this cup remain at home," he told Standard Sports.

The Gor Mahia talisman believes Angola — known as the Sable Antelopes — pose a tougher challenge than DR Congo, and he has already issued a rallying call to his teammates.

"As a team, let's harness the energy from our fans, let's create chances and score goals. Let's use home advantage to our favour in the remaining fixtures," Odhiambo said.

While his attacking instincts are razor-sharp, Austine is also focused on refining the team’s midfield dynamics ahead of the high-stakes match.

"We are already working on areas to strengthen ahead of Angola tie, part of it are the game management, ball possession and ball control that we were mostly short of on Sunday," he stated.

"We have to pull up our socks, we have to work twice harder to beat Angola. We have to utilise our chances well and effectively to stay afloat in this championship."

Odhiambo credits the current positive mood in Harambee Stars’ camp to the opening victory and is confident that the team is mentally locked in.

"Everyone is ecstatic, we are happy, but again we are fully focused on the upcoming fixture, because we must win it," he said.

The midfield wizard is also calling on fans — the 12th man — to show up in even larger numbers against Angola.

"We need the fans badly on Thursday, we need them in the entire championship. Kindly turn up in your numbers, because we need your amazing energy. Together we can do it. Let's unite and do this as Kenyans. Together as one, nothing can stop us," said Austine.

Having endured a difficult domestic season filled with injuries, Odhiambo still managed to bag the Kenyan Premier League’s Most Valuable Player award.

He sees CHAN not just as an international platform, but also a chance to redeem his season and pay tribute to those who’ve stood by him — like his mother.

"When I got hold of that ball, I already knew where to place it because the defender was backpedaling, so I got composed, beat him with a low short, driving the ball all the way to the back of the net.

"It's not my best ever goal, but I want to dedicate it to my mother who has been supportive of my football career," he said.

Austine Odhiambo is ready to lead the charge again — and if he has his way, the CHAN trophy will be coming home.