Gor Mahia defender secures move to Tunisian giants after impressing for Harambee Stars
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 08.09.25. | 16:36
The move comes on the back of his impressive performances at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN)
Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia centre-back Alphonce Omija is on the brink of completing a lucrative switch to Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel.
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According to reports from multiple Tunisian media outlets, the Gor Mahia defender is set to join the North African heavyweights in what is being described as a high-profile transfer.
The move comes on the back of Omija’s impressive performances at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he formed a solid central defensive partnership with Sylvester Owino and Michael Kibwage that saw Kenya concede only two goals in regular play throughout the tournament.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy confirmed the move in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Seychelles clash.
"And oh yeah, we had one other player leave the camp. I okayed one player to leave the camp because it was an opportunity for him to join a club in Tunisia.
They had a short window, and the window was closing, and if the player did not do the medicals, he would miss the chance.
So it was only the right thing for me to do to allow the player to join the club, a decent Tunisia side, and that is Alphonce Omija, so he won't be available for selection tomorrow," said McCarthy.
His solid display at the back saw Kenya secure three wins against eventual winners Morocco, two-time champions DR Congo and Zambia while drawing against Angola in the group stages that saw Kenya finish top of Group A with ten points.
Despite Omija scoring against Madagascar in the knockout stage, Kenya's quest ended in a heartbreaking defeat in the quarter-finals after being eliminated by Madagascar 4-3 on post-match penalties.
Earlier last month, during the month-long eighth edition of the tournament that Kenya co-hosted alongside Uganda and Tanzania, reports emerged from Tunisia that Club Africain were interested in his services; however, the defender opted not to divulge, stating he would reveal his next move after CHAN.
"I was contacted by someone from Tunisia who told me there is interest from some clubs, but that’s as far as it went.
No detailed discussions have taken place. The truth is, nothing concrete has been agreed upon yet. For now, this remains speculation rather than a formal offer.
Right now, CHAN is the most important thing for me, the team, and the country. Once CHAN is over, I will then focus on my club football and plans for the next season,” Omija said then.
Should the deal materialise, Omija will mark his second move abroad, having previously joined Oman's Dhofar FC in 2023.
While at Dhofar, Omija stayed for a season, helping the club win the His Majesty Sultan Cup.
The 23-year-old's football career has witnessed a significant steady rise, a product of growing through Gor Mahia Youth. Omija rose through the ranks to the senior Gor Mahia side in 2019.
However, due to limited playing time, the defender made a switch to Kariobangi Sharks, where he enjoyed his time with the 2018 Mozzart Bet Cup winners during his stint at the club.
It was while at Sharks that he secured his first professional contract abroad, putting pen to paper with Oman side Dhofar FC.
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After a successful stint in Oman, Omija returned to Kenya and rejoined Gor Mahia at the beginning of last season, helping K'Ogalo finish second in the league.
In the international scene, Omija earned his senior debut for the Harambee Stars on July 11, 2024, featuring in Kenya’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Ivory Coast in Lilongwe, Malawi.
