Austin Odhiambo dribbles past DR Congo's defence on his way to scoring Kenya's first-ever goal at the African Nations Championship at Kasarani Stadium on August 3, 2025. /HANDOUT
In a week that saw Harambee Stars make history at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), one name stood at the centre of the moment: Austin Odhiambo.
The 26-year-old Gor Mahia midfield maestro not only scored Kenya’s first-ever CHAN goal but also followed it up with another crucial strike against Angola, cementing his status as the heartbeat of a resurgent national side.
For his leadership, match-winning contributions, and growing influence on and off the pitch, Austin Odhiambo is our Hotshot of the Week.
Born on December 16, 1999, Odhiambo learnt his footballing ropes at Baba Dogo grounds.
Since then, he has become accustomed to the limelight.
A product of Kenya’s local football scene, he cut his teeth at AFC Leopards before crossing the fierce rivalry divide to join Gor Mahia on May 10, 2021.
Despite the rivalry, he commands admiration across the board, a rare player who inspires chants, songs, and banners from fans on both sides of Kenya’s biggest footballing divide.
Odhiambo currently dons jersey number 10 for Harambee Stars and has previously represented Kenya at the U20 and U23 levels.
Though naturally a defensive midfielder, his versatility has seen him deployed in various central roles.
Standing at 1.7 meters, he is nicknamed "Rolls Royce" by Gor Mahia supporters for his elegance on the ball—his silky touch and playmaking flair even drawing comparisons to JJ Okocha, the Nigerian legend.
His influence was unmistakable on August 3, during Kenya’s CHAN opener against DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
With the match finely poised just before half-time, Odhiambo slotted home a calm, composed finish that sealed a 1-0 win—Kenya’s first-ever goal at CHAN.
“We were making history. It was our first CHAN match ever, and we had to make a statement,” Odhiambo said during a post-match interview.
“It was a difficult game, but starting with a win gives us massive momentum.”
He was on the scoresheet again in Kenya’s second group match, this time against Angola, when he converted a penalty that leveled the game after Jo Paciencia’s early opener.
Odhiambo’s current rise is all the more remarkable considering the hurdles he’s faced.
Under former national team coach Engin Firat, he struggled for minutes and recognition.
Even after Benni McCarthy took over, he missed the first two CHAN matches due to club commitments and the coach’s initial preference for players he had seen in training.
But when his chance came, he seized it.
“It’s been an unbelievable journey filled with ups and downs. But I always say that with time, everything aligns. Coach Benni has shown great trust in us, and that’s important. We just have to take our chances,” — Odhiambo told CAF Media.
His brother, Tyson Otieno, a footballer in his own right, recently expressed his admiration and pride during an interview on TikiTaka.
“He has not put his interests above the society’s despite his experience,” Otieno said.
“I love my brother and I wish him all the best, but I believe that God’s timing is the best. The most important thing is to make sure his career keeps progressing.”
The midfield general has already been recognised at club level: on July 26, 2024, he was named the 2023–24 Kenyan Premier League Most Valuable Player.
And earlier in 2024, he made his senior debut for Kenya, scoring in the COSAFA Cup—a fitting start to his international journey. In an interview with Telecom Asia Sport, Odhiambo emphasised the value of home support during CHAN and the potential it unlocks for local football.
“We are on home soil, and I believe we can do it. We have a good squad, and the fans are behind us. That really pushes us through.”
“We believe we can go step by step and play the final, which will be staged here in Nairobi.”
But for Odhiambo, this tournament is more than just silverware.
“This is a historical moment for Kenya. We’re showing the world that Kenya isn’t just about athletics—we have football talent too. This tournament can open doors for our futures,” he said.
From navigating rivalries with grace to carrying a nation's hopes in CHAN, Austin Odhiambo is not just a player in form—he is a player of the moment.
