Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper believes Stars’ keeper has prowess to help Kenya land title on debut

Ottomax hopes the goalkeeping department will prepare for penalty shootouts as the knock-out phase looms.

by CHARLENE MALWA

Sports14 August 2025 - 09:23

In Summary

Owino said calmness and sharp goalkeeping will be the key as the tournament heads to its decisive stages.
He tipped the team to maintain composure.

Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Mathew “Ottamax” Owino during a Football Kenya Federation training course/ HANDOUT

Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Mathew “Ottamax” Owino is counting on Byrne Omondi's goalkeeping prowess to steer Kenya past Zambia in Sunday's decisive and final Group 'A' match of the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN 2024 ) at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.

Ottamax said calmness, composure and sharpness between the posts will ensure the Chipolopolo of Zambia do not get the ball into Omondi's net, boosting Stars' chances of finishing top of the group.

"Byrne is a very good keeper. Against Angola, it was his mistake that cost us a win, but he still stood out. To me, he was the man-of-the-match,” Ottamax said.

He tipped Stars to streamroll past the Zambians.

“With the same atmosphere we have had all along, I don’t see them (Zambia) beating us," he said.

Kenya could face either Mauritania or Tanzania in the quarterfinals, teams he feels are beatable. Advancing past the quarterfinals will blast Kenya's confidence off the roof, he said, a catalyst for even better performances in the semifinals and the final.

"If we stay calm, the trophy is ours. For now, it is Zambia standing between us and the trophy," said Ottomax.

However, Ottomax hopes the goalkeeping department will prepare for penalty shootouts as the knock-out phase looms.

“Penalty shootouts are usually a 50-50 affair, even though luck, good decision-making and technicality have to be involved," he said.

In addition to Omondi, Ottomax observed that Faruk Shikalo is another great asset should he be called upon. Shikalo was the main man at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, although he has yet to feature at CHAN 2024.

“Farouk can play; he has this sharpness. I do not mind if Byrne takes a rest. But we would like to see if Faruk can withstand the pressure,” he observed.

Meanwhile, Ottomax rued Mohammed Bajaber's absence from the tournament, observing that patience is sometimes a fantastic asset in football career development.

“This calls on young players to be patient before making a move. The agents make players’ moves as well,” he warned.

Bajaber was one of Kenya’s most talked-about players before the tournament started, especially after scoring in Kenya's 3-3 draw with Gambia during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Abidjan, a match that marked Benni McCarthy's debut as head coach.

Elsewhere, Ottamax lauded the massive turnout and the government’s incentives for boosting morale despite ticketing mishaps and fans' indiscipline.

“The fans have been amazing. Their participation goes a long way in encouraging players, and we have seen the outcome. The President’s move to increase incentives was bold. It has borne fruit. Talent has always been there; what has been lacking is the motivation,” he said.

Ottomax expects Zambia to come all out against Stars now that they have nothing to lose.

“Kenya versus Zambia has never been an easy match. Zambia are dangerous and has nothing to lose,” he said, while recalling the tension during the win against Morocco.