As the African Cup of Nations draws nigh, preparations have gone top notch as several teams are gearing towards setting history in Africa’s elite competition.
Kenya has not been left behind as for the very first time, the national team confirmed that they are enjoying training in modern facilities, explaining how prepared we are as a nation to support our national team lift the AFCON trophy for the first time.
We caught up with the captain earlier before the friendly match against Madagascar and this is was he said#Tunaweza #BetinNaStars #AFCON2019 #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/CNcrrkfYY7
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) June 8, 2019
But after receiving the overwhelming support, Harambee Stars players need to work extra hard to deliver the nation from the title drought since it was introduced back in 1957.
But do we know our Harambee Stars players who we expect to bring us the trophy?
Stars head coach Sebastian Migne had announced the 23-man squad that will be travelling to Cairo to grace the tournament. Our player of focus will be sensational Sofapaka midfielder Dennis Odhiambo.
Who is Dennis Odhiambo?
Dennis Odhiambo Omino is a Kenyan professional footballer who is currently playing for Sofapaka as a midfielder.
Odhiambo was born on 18 March 1985 in Siaya in Kenya. He is 1.78 metres tall.
The 34-year-old signed as a footballer for Thika United Football Club in 2008. However, he didn’t make any goal for Thika United and after staying at the club for one year, he moved to the ‘University of Pretoria Football Club’ in South Africa.
After being at the club for about three years without scoring any goal, he moved back to his former club Thika United in 2012.
Odhiambo then moved to Sofapaka in 2018 and he has been playing for the club to date.
The Sofapaka ace joined the national team in 2011 and has been featuring in international matches for Kenya to date and will be playing in the AFCON for the first time.
Odhiambo has received a lot of praise from the Harambee Stars coach Migne, who believes that the 34-year-old is one of the local players who will lift the Kenyan national team to glory.
“Every player is important for the team and it, therefore, doesn’t mean that foreign-based players have an upper hand. What I am keen on is commitment. For instance look at Dennis Odhiambo, he has been very instrumental for the team.” Migne said.
Odhiambo will be playing as a midfielder in the AFCON tournament.
Below is the list of the 23-man squad that will be representing Kenya in the tournament slated for 21 June to 19 July
Goalkeepers
Patrick Matasi, John Oyemba, Faruk Shikalo
Defenders
Philemon Otieno, Abud Omar, Bernard Ochieng, Musa Mohammed, Joash Onyango, Joseph Okumu, David Owino, Eric Ouma
Midfielders
Victor Wanyama, Dennis Odhiambo, Erick Johanna, Ayub Timbe, Francis Kahata, Ismael Gonzalez, Ovella Ochieng, Paul Were, Johanna Omollo
Forwards
Masud Juma, Michael Olunga, John Avire