- Austine Odhiambo has been a phenomenal player for the Harambee Stars in the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.
- He has scored two goals so far for Kenya netting the winner in the 1-0 victory against DR Congo and converting a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Angola.
- His parents, Evaline Otieno and Barrack Otieno, are overjoyed and filled with pride over their son’s impressive performance.
The parents of Austin Odhiambo have finally spoken out as the Harambee Stars’ sensational forward continues to shine in the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) touranment.
Hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the tournament has witnessed the Gor Mahia attacking midfielder cement his reputation not only on the continental stage but also globally.
In the two matches he has featured in under coach Benni McCarthy’s squad, the clinical finisher has found the net twice, currently leading the top scorers chart in the group stage.
Odhiambo played a pivotal role in Harambee Stars’ 1-0 victory over DR Congo in their tournament opener.
Nicknamed the “Rolls Royce” for his intelligent movement and tireless runs, he scored the decisive goal and inspired the team to a memorable v ictory.
His decisive goal not only sealed the win but also earned each player a KSh 1 million bonus, fulfilling President Ruto’s pledge for triumphant performances.
The 25-year-old did not stop there. In Kenya’s second Group A clash against a dominant Angola side, Odhiambo once again rose to the occasion.
Despite Kenya being reduced to 10 men, he calmly converted a penalty to level the match at 1-1, securing a vital point for the team.
ALSO READ: Austin Odhiambo biography, career, statistics, personal life and latest news
Austine Odhiambo’s parents overjoyed as son delivers spectacular CHAN 2024 performance
Speaking to Citizen TV, his parents, Evaline Otieno and Barrack Otieno, expressed immense pride in their son’s heroic exploits.
They were particularly touched when Austine surprised them with a share of his bonus earnings from the DR Congo victory.
After the president’s bonus was disbursed, we were the first ones Austin thought of,” said Evaline Otieno. He told us he had sent something to both our phones. We were overwhelmed with joy and pride.”
Meanwhile, his father reminisced about Austine’s early love for football, something he initially didn’t understand.
My son was passionate about football from a very young age,” Barrack Otieno recalled.
He would play with makeshift balls made from tied clothes or paper. I never imagined football could be this exciting, but for him, it was everything.”
Born and raised in Nairobi, the former AFC Leopards player nurtured his talent on the dusty pitches of Baba Dogo Grounds, where he played for various youth teams.
ALSO READ: Kenya vs Angola: Late VAR intervention rescues 10-man Harambee Stars in gritty draw in Kasarani
His elder brother, Tyson Otieno, shared his admiration for Austine’s journey and growth.
“I thank God his career has blossomed. No one knows him better than I do. Every time I see him, I’m filled with pride, though I’ve never actually told him,” Tyson revealed during an appearance on the TikiTaka Show.
As the tournament progresses, Odhiambo now sets his sights on the Golden Boot, hoping to further refine his skills and potentially land lucrative opportunities abroad.