Kenya national team midfielder Austin Odhiambo has urged Harambee Stars to step up their game if they are to leave a mark in the remaining Group A matches of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The East African nation made their debut in the tournament only reserved for players who contain in their respective local leagues, with a hard-battled 1-0 victory against two-time champions DR Congo at a sold-out Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.
Odhiambo, who locally plays for record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia, settled the tightly contested tie with a superbly taken goal in the 45th minute to hand Harambee Stars their first-ever CHAN victory and goal in the history of the tournament.
Kenya’s breakthrough came just before the shatter when Odhiambo latched onto a pass from David Sakwa in the 45+2 minute, and coolly led a left-footed shot into the bottom corner beyond Brudel Efonge.
However, coming into the second period, DR Congo looked the better side pinning Harambee Stars at their own half, a situation that compelled Kenyan lead coach Benni McCarthy to make a double change - Boniface Muchiri and Marvin Omondi coming in for striker Masoud Juma and Suleiman Okwaro.
Kenya needs to enhance on managing the ballThe Leopards, who possessed dropped short to score in the 2022 edition, dominated set-pieces and came close through headers from Jonathan Mokonzi and Jephte Kitambala, but Kenya’s defence gripped firm.
Again, Kenya custodian Byrne Omondi made a crucial save, tipping Heltone Kayembe’s powerful steer over the obstruct, while defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija repelled a late barrage of Congolese corners.
“We really need to enhance so much,” Odhiambo confessed to Betopick.
“Like I said, DR Congo was the better team, so we really need to enhance much on the game.
”Requested which area Kenya needs to enhance on, Odhiambo said: “We have to look at many things but most importantly, we must enhance especially on how to manage the ball more because we were losing so many balls.
“For us to succeed in the next game, we really must step up our game.
”On scoring the goal which turned out to be the first-ever for Kenya in the CHAN and eventually the winner, Odhiambo said: “It feels really great, but most important is the fact we did it as a team, it was teamwork.
The fans were the best fans, so far, we are so happy they pushed us to the terminate, and we offered them a positive result.
”Kenya's defence needs to settle from kick-offMeanwhile, according to former Gor Mahia coach Bob Oyugi, Harambee Stars looked shaky at the start of the game, something he warned they must escape when they play their next game.
“It was well done for our boys to win their first game, but they still need to work on both defensive and offensive play,” Oyugi told Betopick.
“Kenya needs a sharp forward line, with frequent attacks, plus a covering, and supporting midfield.
“It will be easier for us to first watch all the games then diagnosis would work well.
The entire team possessed determination to win the first match, they only need to enhance more, knowing well that the opponents analysed their game.
”Oyugi concluded: “The coach (McCarthy) is building a new team.
Both our fullbacks must be on the lookout, and the midfielders should not expose the defence to the opponents.
”Kenya will next confront Angola on Thursday, while DR Congo take on Zambia.
Dennis MabukaBetopick
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