Harambee Stars attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo has sounded a warning ahead of their highly anticipated quarterfinal clash against Madagascar in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The national team has enjoyed a historic run in the tournament, but Odhiambo believes one wrong step could expose weaknesses that have remained hidden so far.
Kenya’s impressive journey saw them top their group with 10 points, edging out Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia. Victories over DR Congo, Morocco, and Zambia, plus a hard-fought draw against Angola, gave Harambee Stars strong momentum heading into the knockout stages. Ryan Ogam’s decisive goals and Odhiambo’s creative brilliance have been central to the team’s success, earning them respect across the continent.
However, Odhiambo insists the quarterfinal is an entirely different challenge. He emphasized that Madagascar are no pushovers, having advanced through their group with resilience and consistency. According to the Gor Mahia playmaker, overconfidence could be dangerous, as a defeat at this stage would not only end Kenya’s run but also raise questions about the team’s true progress.
“This is not a typical group stage match,” Odhiambo cautioned. “The pressure is higher, and every mistake will be punished. If we lose, people will point out areas we may have overlooked, and that could overshadow all the good we’ve achieved so far.”
The midfielder stressed the need for composure, concentration, and discipline against Madagascar. He acknowledged that while Harambee Stars have shown tactical maturity and attacking flair in the group stages, knockout football demands extra sharpness, both mentally and physically.
With coach Benni McCarthy instilling confidence and a winning mentality, Harambee Stars enter the clash with belief. Yet, Odhiambo’s warning serves as a reminder that the path to continental glory requires more than momentum it requires consistency under pressure.
Kenya will rely on their balanced squad, from the creativity of Odhiambo to the defensive solidity of Daniel Sakari, as well as the goal-scoring instincts of Ryan Ogam. The challenge now lies in translating their group stage heroics into knockout-stage dominance.
For Harambee Stars, the quarterfinal against Madagascar is more than a match it is a test of character. Victory will cement their status as genuine title contenders, while defeat could expose vulnerabilities that opponents may exploit in future competitions.
