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The FKFPL MVP made his debut for Kenya against Burundi in June, and played a prominent role for the country at the COSAFA tournament in South Africa later that month.
Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo is eagerly looking forward to earning more caps for the Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars, after making a memorable debut against Burundi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Malawi this June.
Odhiambo entered the game as a 70th-minute substitute and made an immediate impact by assisting Duke Abuya for Kenya’s goal.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for Odhiambo to continue building his national team career at the 2024 COSAFA Cup held in South Africa a few weeks later.
Odhiambo has had a standout season, scoring 12 goals and registering 13 assists. Despite uncertainties surrounding his future with Gor Mahia, he remains focused on his national team ambitions.
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11:30 - 28.07.2024
Austin Odhiambo cagey over Gor Mahia future despite resuming training
Odhiambo has revealed his stance over his future at Gor Mahia as the side prepares to travel to Nigeria for Coal City International Cup.
"It is an amazing feeling. I had waited very long to be part of the national team because it is a privilege for any player to represent their country and it is one of the things I wanted to achieve," Odhiambo told Pulse Sports.
"This season I feel has been good for me. I feel good to have been involved in the national team, and I hope for many more caps."
Odhiambo's performance in the COSAFA Cup, particularly his man-of-the-match display in the final group stage game against Zimbabwe, has caught the attention of several top clubs. He is currently linked with a move to Belgian giants KAA Gent.
Odhiambo shared how the exposure at the tournament elevated his profile. "The tournament was generally brilliant for me because of the exposure it gave me," Odhiambo stated.
"The interest in me kept ballooning after each match and especially after the final game against Zimbabwe."
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12:39 - 27.07.2024
Gor Mahia's Austin Odhiambo dedicates FKFPL Most Valuable Player award to injured mother
Odhiambo's mother was involved in an unfortunate accident on Thursday -the day before receiving his MVP award - but is recuperating well according to the player.
Odhiambo's journey with the national team has not been without controversy. Although he had been called up to the national team under the tutelage of Francis Kimanzi while still an AFC Leopards player, he never made an appearance.
He then received another call up to the first team under Engin Firat for their friendlies against Qatar and South Sudan last September. After failing to make the flight to Qatar, Odhiambo, who was asked to return to camp for the home friendly against South Sudan, went AWOL.
This led to an infamous fall out, with Firat publicly criticising his behavior in a press conference in March.
"Austin asked for permission to leave the team’s camp briefly ahead of the friendly against South Sudan in September last year to settle a personal issue. He later claimed he was diagnosed with malaria and would not return to camp. Surprisingly, he featured for Gor Mahia in a friendly against Mathare United and scored."
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14:40 - 13.06.2024
Harambee Stars legend advises Engin Firat on handling Austin Odhiambo's temperament
A former Harambee Stars player has advised coach Engin Firat on managing midfielder Austin Odhiambo's discipline and performance issues.
Due to these incidents, Odhiambo was blacklisted and left out of the squad to take part in the Malawi Four Nations tournament despite being the most on-form player in the league.
"Some players were left off the roster since it takes each team member to form a unified outfit. Regardless of their status, I am forced to let them go when they put their interests ahead of the team. As a football coach in a country like Kenya, building togetherness is crucial.”
Odhiambo has since reconciled with Firat, and that is why he featured prominently in Harambee Stars colours last June.
The talented midfielder is determined to make a lasting impact and continue his journey with Harambee Stars, representing Kenya with pride and dedication.
Odhiambo’s commitment to his national team and his impressive performances on the field have positioned him as a key player for Kenya's future football endeavors. As he aims for more caps, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the nation.
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