CHAN2024: Harambee Stars’ Edward Omondi opens up on his debut against Angola
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 09.08.25. | 09:20
The debutant lasted almost the entire match and credited the 46,000-plus crowd for lifting the team, just as they had in the tournament opener
Harambee Stars forward Edward Omondi has admitted he battled stage fright during his long-awaited national team debut on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
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The late call-up was thrust into the spotlight by head coach Benni McCarthy after injuries and the transfer of Mohammed Bajaber to Simba SC forced the South African tactician to shuffle his pack.
Handed a rare starting berth in Kenya’s second CHAN 2024 clash against Angola, Omondi was one of several fresh faces in the line-up following Sunday’s opening-day victory over DR Congo.
“It was my first time playing in front of such a massive crowd. I was a bit nervous, I have to admit,” Omondi said with a shy smile.
“I can’t say I’ve ever experienced an atmosphere like that before. But it was awesome.”
The debutant lasted almost the entire match and credited the 46,000-plus crowd for lifting the team, just as they had in the tournament opener.
“The fans gave us the motivation to push harder. We couldn’t let them go home disappointed, so we gave our all,” he added.
Known affectionately as Ondimo among teammates, the ex-Sofapaka forward praised the squad’s fighting spirit after playing over 70 minutes with ten men, following Marvin Nabwire’s early dismissal for a last-man challenge.
“We’re thankful for the result. I’ve been ready and waiting, just as the coach advised. He’s always told me to push to my limits and be ready when my chance comes,” the forward noted.
Initially included in the provisional squad for the 2024 games, he was dropped before a late twist in fate saw him recalled alongside Tusker midfielder Chrispine Erambo and Shabana’s Brian Michira on Monday, July 28, barely a week before the tournament began.
In the Angola clash, Austin Odhiambo, Kenya’s hero against DR Congo, once again stepped up, calmly converting an 11th-minute penalty to cancel out Jó Paciência’s opener.
The Angolan striker had capitalized on a defensive lapse to put Pedro Gonçalves’ side ahead in the seventh minute.
The 1-1 draw kept Kenya unbeaten and top of Group A with four points.
The Stars now turn their focus to a crucial tie against North African heavyweights Morocco on Sunday, August 10, before wrapping up the group stage against Zambia.
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