Why Austin Odhiambo is backing Harambee Stars to clinch CHAN title at Kasarani Stadium

Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo has assured Kenyans that the team’s aim is to make sure that they reach the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament and lift the trophy on home soil.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News

Kenya is co-hosting the biennial competition,reserved for players who play for clubs in their respective leagues, alongside East African neighbours; Uganda and Tanzania.

Harambee Stars, who are drawn into Group A - arguably the 'Group of Death' - will face heavyweights DR Congo, Morocco, Zambia, and Angola in what promises to be a demanding campaign.

Kenya, under coach Benni McCarthy, has been training at Kasarani Annex, a venue adjacent to Kasarani Stadium, ahead of the tournament set to run from 2-30 August.

Kenya will be making debut in the CHAN, courtesy of being one of three co-hosts of the tournament.

According to the 25-year-old Odhiambo, who formerly turned out for Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier side AFC Leopards, and has been part of the Kenya U20, and U23 sides,Harambee Stars have set their target of playing in front of their fans and winning it.

“We have been waiting for this tournament for a very long time, and I think the boys are psyched up, and ready for the tournament,” Odhiambo told Flashscore.

STARS ABROAD: Olunga on target as Al Arabi begins pre-season with win in Spain

“It is a privilege to represent the national team and again it comes with a lot of pressure, because we have the tournament on our home soil, Kenya, so we have to represent the country good enough, and no excuses for playing badly.”

On how Harambee Stars players will manage the pressure of playing at the biggest stage, Odhiambo said: “We will try the best that we can to make our fans happy, because by doing so, the pressure will come down. With the home crowd behind us, it is a very good opportunity for us, we need to use the crowd's support against our opponents and go for positive results.”

On whether Kenya will be going for the CHAN title, Odhiambo, who features for record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, responded: “Of course, yes, (we want to win the title).

MOFA duo set for Sweden trials with Vasalunds IF

“We are hosting the tournament, and we must have the aim of winning it. As players, we must have that winning mentality, we must aim to be champions every time we play in a tournament, so in my opinion, we have the character to play well and win the trophy.”

EXCLUSIVE: From ball boy to Harambee Stars, Haniff Wesonga's relentless rise and European dream

Odhiambo added: “It is going to be a team effort, you cannot do it alone, it is a team effort and we all have to think the same, the whole team you have to think the same, so I believe we all have the mentality going into the tournament and we will make Kenyans proud," he added.