Harambee Stars defender reveals how teammates 'refused' to take penalties in CHAN quarter-final
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 18.07.26. | 08:49
The former Gor Mahia Star was one of five defenders to take responsibility as others shirked
Kenyan international Alphonce Omija has opened the lid on how pressure caused a change of plans in penalties during Kenya’s encounter with Madagascar at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
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Harambee Stars had an incredible performance in the continental tournament, which was co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Eventually, Kenya was eliminated at the quarter-final by Madagascar in an electric match that was decided by post-match penalties, with Barea securing a 4-3 win.
Having missed Kenya's last spot kick, Omija spoke of the circumstances that led to him taking responsibility.
“On that day, the people we expected to take penalties refused, and that is why three center backs took it. In fact, the whole five penalty-takers were defenders. The people we thought would take and score refused to take,” Omija told Zoza Sportscast.
The former Gor Mahia Star went on to attribute the circumstances that led to Kenya’s ouster to pressure.
“Pressure is bad. It can make a regular penalty taker refuse to take it. There was such a moment in that game. Pressure can also make someone who has never taken a penalty to take it, or the coach has to come up with his list of penalty takers,” he stated.
The 23-year-old went on to reveal the heavy criticism he faced after missing his kick, which was Kenya's last, including from national team teammates.
“One of my teammates said that the moment they saw me, they knew our goose was cooked. He is my friend but that is disappointing," he said. "Fans also judged me with the penalty miss. There is one who said I had never scored, and told his mates on that day to start leaving to avoid traffic."
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©Mozzart SportWhile Omija admitted pressure after Mike Kibwage missed his kick, he still embraced the outcome in his stride.
“The miss by Kibwage also added more pressure. Had he scored, the pressure would be less on me, because even if I had missed, we would go to sudden death. Nonetheless, I do not regret it. I am a person who likes to take responsibility. I believe that was our fate,” he explained.
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