Debutants on Fire: Five stars driving Kenya’s TotalEnergies CHAN charge
In their maiden appearance at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, Kenya’s Harambee Stars have turned heads with a brand of football that blends grit, organisation, and moments of pure flair.
The debutants and co-hosts have navigated a tough Group A with authority, remaining unbeaten after three matches, securing two wins and a draw to sit proudly at the summit on seven points.
In front of passionate home crowds, they have outworked, out-thought, and outplayed more experienced opposition, fuelling dreams of a deep run into the knockout stages.
Their campaign has not only been defined by collective discipline but also by the brilliance of key individuals who have risen to the occasion when it mattered most.
From rock-solid defensive leaders to match-winning forwards, these five players have provided the spine, spark, and spirit of Kenya’s impressive run.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, they stand as the embodiment of a team rewriting history in their very first CHAN adventure.
Byrne ‘Bayo’ Omondi – The Guardian Between the Posts
Two clean sheets and a Man of the Match performance tell the story of a goalkeeper in inspired form.
Omondi, nicknamed “Bayo,” has been the dependable last line of defence, producing crucial saves and commanding his area with authority.
Whether preserving a narrow lead against Morocco with ten men or helping secure a hard-fought draw against Angola despite another early red card, his composure and reflexes have been vital.
Set to join record champions Gor Mahia after the tournament, Omondi has shown he can be a difference-maker at the highest level.
Sylvester Owino – The Iron Wall
The only outfield player to have played every minute of Kenya’s CHAN campaign so far, Owino has been an unyielding presence at the heart of defence.
His aerial dominance has neutralised threats from cross-heavy teams like Angola and DR Congo, while his calm reading of the game has snuffed out danger before it develops.
A quiet enforcer, he lets his performances speak for themselves, contributing not just in defence but also posing a set-piece threat going forward.
Michael Kibwage – The Tactical Anchor
Initially introduced as a second-half shield in front of the back four, Kibwage brought stability and leadership in crucial moments of Kenya’s first two matches.
His physical presence and positional awareness helped close out a 1-0 win over DR Congo and secure a point against Angola with ten men.
Given a starting berth in central defence against Morocco, he showed why Gor Mahia were eager to bring him in from Tusker FC – composed under pressure, decisive in challenges, and a leader in the backline.
Manzur Suleiman – The Midfield Shield
Just 19 years old, Suleiman has adapted brilliantly to a new role as a defensive midfielder at CHAN 2024.
Naturally a centre-back, he has embraced the challenge of anchoring the midfield, offering both defensive solidity and progressive passing.
His ability to break up opposition play while launching quick transitions has been crucial in protecting the back four and initiating Kenya’s attacking moves.
A graduate of Kenya’s U20 AFCON squad earlier this year, Suleiman has shown maturity well beyond his years.
Austin Odhiambo – The Rolls Royce in Attack
Nicknamed “Rolls Royce,” Odhiambo has been Kenya’s most potent attacking weapon, scoring two goals in two matches before sitting out against Morocco with a minor knock.
His intelligent movement, close control, and clinical finishing were on full display as he netted the winner against DR Congo and converted a pressure penalty versus Angola.
A consistent scorer for Gor Mahia at club level, Odhiambo is proving just as effective on the continental stage, bringing flair and a cutting edge to the Harambee Stars’ front line.
Kenya’s Emerging Force
With a perfect blend of youth and experience, defensive grit and attacking sharpness, this Kenyan side is proving that debutants can be contenders.
These five standouts have not only carried the nation’s hopes but also announced Kenya’s arrival as a force to be reckoned with in African football.
As they prepare for the knockout rounds, the dream of lifting a continental trophy on home soil feels more alive than ever.