CHAN2024: Austin Odhiambo lists benefits of topping Group A ahead of Zambia clash
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 16.08.25. | 21:04
Despite progression being guaranteed, Odhiambo insists that topping the group remains the team’s main objective
Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo has underlined the importance of finishing top of Group A ahead of their decisive clash against Zambia on Sunday, 17 August, at Kasarani Stadium.
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Kenya, already assured of a quarter-final berth courtesy of head-to-head victories over Morocco and DR Congo, will face an already-eliminated Chipolopolo side after a week’s rest.
Despite progression being guaranteed, Odhiambo insists that topping the group remains the team’s main objective.
“A win tomorrow will be very important because it will see us finish first in the group, and that comes with home advantage in the quarter-finals, where the support of our fans will be crucial,” said the reigning FKFPL Most Valuable Player (MVP) during Saturday’s pre-match briefing.
Victory for Kenya would lift them to 10 points, ensuring they finish as Group A leaders. They would then face the runners-up from Group B, which will be determined later on Saturday evening when the Central African Republic take on leaders Tanzania, while Burkina Faso face Madagascar.
Odhiambo, currently the tournament’s joint top scorer with two goals, acknowledged the pivotal role of fans in Harambee Stars’ impressive run.
However, he also expressed concern over the limited attendance after CAF capped Kasarani’s crowd capacity at 60 per cent, restricting entry to about 27,000 spectators due to a security breach during the Morocco tie.
“As a footballer, I have come to realise how vital fans are in pushing a team forward. They have been instrumental in our performances, and even though the numbers will be fewer tomorrow, we will still give our best,” added the former AFC Leopards playmaker.
The midfielder further credited the government’s unwavering support as a major boost to the team’s morale.
President William Ruto pledged a Ksh1 million bonus for every win, Ksh500,000 for a draw, Ksh60 million for reaching the quarter-finals, Ksh70 million for the semis, and a staggering Ksh600 million should Harambee Stars clinch the title.
The team has already pocketed Ksh2.5 million in incentives from their group stage wins.
Additionally, following Kenya’s historic victory over Morocco, the President promised an extra Ksh2.5 million in bonus and a two-bedroomed affordable housing unit should Harambee Stars defeat Zambia.
“The government and the president have played a key role in motivating us. These promises have sparked our efforts, and for the first time, we feel the whole nation is solidly behind us,” Odhiambo remarked.
The crunch tie kicks off at 3:00 pm and will be broadcasted live on KBC and SuperSport. Fans unable to attend will have access to designated fanzones in Kibera DC Grounds, Dandora Stadium, Jacaranda Grounds, Uhuru Park, Safari Rally Grounds in Kasarani, Pandi Pieri Grounds in Githurai, and Utalii Sports Grounds.
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