Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has lauded Frank Odhiambo following the defender’s standout performance on his national team debut against Estonia in the ongoing FIFA Series tournament in Kigali,Rwanda.
The Gor Mahia centre-back was handed his first Harambee Stars appearance after a string of solid performances in the SportPesa League and he did not disappoint.
Despite Kenya falling 5-4 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time, Odhiambo’s calm and assured display at the back stood out, earning him praise from the technical bench and football fans alike.
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Odhiambo’s football journey has been one marked by patience and determination. The defender initially earned a move to Swedish top-flight side Djurgården in 2022 after impressing with Gor Mahia.
However, his time in Europe saw him spend most of his stint out on loan as he sought regular playing time and development. He featured for IFK Haninge,Vasalunds IF, AFC Eskilstuna, and IF Karlstad gaining valuable experience in the Swedish football system.
After nearly three years abroad, Odhiambo returned to Kenya in the mid-season transfer window and rejoined Gor Mahia, a move that has reignited his career.
Coach McCarthy heaps praise on Gor Mahia defender Frank Odhiambo after Harambee Stars exceptional debut
His commanding performances in defence quickly caught the attention of McCarthy, who included him in the Harambee Stars squad for the FIFA Series tournament in Rwanda.
The former FC Porto striker has expressed his admiration for the defender’s performance, noting that he showed the qualities of a seasoned international player despite making his debut.
“Frank was exceptional. He did not look like a player making his first appearance for the national team. He was commanding, assertive, and aggressive , everything a coach wants in a defender. He has been a wonderful addition to the squad and for me, he was probably my man of the match because he was outstanding from the first minute all the way to the penalties,” McCarthy said.
The coach’s comments reflect the growing confidence in Odhiambo’s abilities, especially as Harambee Stars continue to rebuild and strengthen their squad ahead of the 2027 AFCON that is set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
His aerial presence, composure on the ball and ability to read the game added stability to Kenya’s backline, which held firm for large spells against Estonia.
As Harambee Stars shift focus to their third-place playoff clash against Grenada, Odhiambo will be eager to build on his impressive debut and cement his place in the team.
McCarthy will also be hoping the defender maintains his consistency and continues to develop into a reliable option in the national team setup.
With such a promising start to his Harambee Stars career, Frank Odhiambo looks set to play a crucial role in Kenya’s future assignments and his return to Gor Mahia may prove to be the turning point that reignites both his club and international career.