Shabana teenage sensation Austin Odongo will be out to leave a mark with
goals at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 tournament after making
the final squad.
The 19-year-old said pressure from Shabana
fans, who command one of the biggest followings in Kenyan football, prepared him
well for the tournament, and he is ready for the task ahead.
Odongo, who previously failed trials with the
Rising Stars ahead of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cairo, Egypt, in
May 2025, impressed during the recently concluded 2024/2025 season to earn a
late call-up.
“I failed trials at the junior level, but I
never lost hope. My hard work and patience have finally seen me get a senior
team call-up, and I will give my best to repay the coaches with goals,” said
Odongo, who is eyeing the Golden Boot.
However, he will face stiff competition from
Posta Rangers’ forward Felix Oluoch and experienced marksman Masud Juma, both
of whom were late additions to the camp and are also vying for a starting
berth.
Other forwards who made head coach Benni
McCarthy’s squad include Ryan Ogam, David Sakwa, Boniface Muchiri, and Mohammed
Bajaber.
Odongo, who hails from Budalangi, joined the
Kenya Academy of Sports after impressing at the inaugural Talanta Hela
Inter-County Tournament in 2023.
He was part of a special training camp in
Spain, where he scored freely as the Talanta Hela U19 team won the
International Costa Daurada Cup 2024, before later joining Shabana FC.
“I thank God for the chance, and I believe I
will do well if given the opportunity at the tournament. As a player, you have
to learn fast, and I have grasped a lot from top forwards like Masoud and
Muchiri,” added Odongo.
He scored six goals and registered three
assists as Shabana finished an impressive fifth in the 2024/2025 season.
The youngster, who is now living his dream,
will be out to make history with the Harambee Stars on home soil, as Kenya
hosts its maiden continental showpiece.
Stars will open their campaign against DR
Congo on August 3 at Kasarani Stadium, before facing Angola and Morocco on
August 7 and 10, respectively. The team will then take a one-week break before
wrapping up their Group A fixtures against Zambia on August 17.
