Harambee Stars defender reflects on goal-line clearance that saved millions in CHAN opener
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 07.08.25. | 16:30
He put in a solid performance that saw Kenya keep a clean sheet and earn a 1-0 victory over visiting DR Congo
Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija has opened up on his goal-line clearance against DR Congo that saved millions for the team
Omija was at the heart of the Kenyan defense, partnering his Gor Mahia teammate Sylvester Owino, and put in a solid performance that saw Kenya keep a clean sheet and earn a 1-0 victory over the visitors.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Omija, in an even more impactful manner, made a goal-line clearance in the first half with the score still goalless before Kenya scored later on in the half.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday 6 August before Kenya's second match against Angola, the 22-year-old reflected on the clearance and its impact.
“It was a good moment. I was the last man standing for the team. Everybody congratulated me, but again, I had to do it for the nation, for everybody involved, and I managed to save Ksh55 million,” said Omija.
In the end, Austin Odhiambo's strike that won Kenya the match saw each member of the team including the bench and staff receive Ksh1 million fir winning as promised by President William Ruto.
The former Omani club Dhofar defender also spoke on his action to support teammate Daniel Sakari, who started the match facing all sort of problems from speedy Ibrahim Matobo, the speedy DRC winger but later grew into the match and was involved in Kenya's lone goal.
“It is a matter of teamwork. It is like a family; You cannot let your brother or sister be in danger, you have to cover them and so that is the mentality,” he stated.
Speaking on the match against Angola that will be played on Thursday, 7 August at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, Omija expressed confidence in the team's readiness for the challenge.
“Everyone is ready. The boys are psyched up and as we said earlier, we are taking one game at a time.
We have prepared to improve on areas that did not go well, and do even better on areas that worked well.”
Futher. the K'Ogalo defender once again reiterated the players ambition to use CHAN as a stepping stone to finding greener pastures.
“For every player and not just for me, it is a great platform. Everyone is working hard to make a step into other leagues in the world.
Whoever gets a chance to play has to work and do something because in every tournament there are agents and scouts and you never know who is watching so you have to give 100%,” he concluded.
