Midfielder Austin Odhiambo believes Harambee Stars are ready to take on Africa’s top sides after Kenya was drawn against South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea in the Pamoja AFCON 2027 qualification campaign.
The playmaker, nicknamed ‘Rolls-Royce’, said the squad is embracing the challenge despite being handed one of the toughest groups in the qualifiers.
“We know what this tournament means to Kenyans and we are ready to give everything for the badge,” said Odhiambo.
Although Kenya automatically qualifies for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, CAF requires the hosts to participate in the qualifiers to remain competitive ahead of the finals.
Kenya will begin the campaign at home against Eritrea on September 23 before travelling to face Guinea four days later.
They will then play back-to-back matches against South Africa in November, away on November 11 before hosting the return fixture on November 15.
The qualifiers conclude with an away clash against Eritrea on March 24 and a final home match against Guinea on March 28.
Kenya heads into the campaign as the third-lowest ranked side in the group, above only Eritrea, while South Africa and Guinea remain the favourites based on FIFA rankings.
However, Odhiambo insists the focus within the squad is on growth rather than fear.
“Playing against strong teams is exactly what we need if we want to grow into a serious AFCON side,” he said.
The former Gor Mahia midfielder, now turning out for Lebanese side Nejmeh SC, has become a key figure under head coach Benni McCarthy following strong performances during Kenya’s recent Fifa Series matches in Kigali.
Odhiambo believes the current squad has enough quality and determination to compete with the continent’s best.
“We have talent in this squad, but more importantly we have players who are hungry to succeed for the country,” he said.
McCarthy recently named a provisional squad featuring several new foreign-based players ahead of friendly matches against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan next month as he continues expanding the talent pool ahead of Afcon 2027 and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
Odhiambo welcomed the increased competition within the squad.
“When new players come in, everybody raises their level because no one wants to lose their place,” he explained.
The midfielder urged Kenyan fans to continue supporting the team during what he described as an important rebuilding phase.
“These matches are very important for us because they help us build chemistry and prepare for the pressure of the tournament itself,” he said.
Kenya’s preparations have been affected by ongoing renovations at Nyayo Stadium and Moi Stadium, Kasarani, which could force Harambee Stars to host some home matches away from Nairobi until the facilities meet CAF standards.
Even so, Odhiambo believes the team must remain focused regardless of venue.
“Whether we play at home or away, we must carry the spirit of Kenya everywhere we go,” he noted.
The 2023/24 SportPesa League MVP said the current generation has a chance to leave a lasting legacy by inspiring young footballers across the country.
“This is bigger than us as players because we have a chance to inspire the next generation of Kenyan footballers,” Odhiambo stated.
Kenya last featured at AFCON in 2019 in Egypt, exiting at the group stage.
With a new technical bench, an expanding pool of foreign-based talent and increased investment in football infrastructure, optimism is steadily growing around Harambee Stars.
“We want Kenyans to believe in us because we are going to fight for this country until the very end,” said Odhiambo.
