• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 days ago

Odhiambo says Harambee Stars is ready for strong competition at Afcon 2027 qualifiers

Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo says Kenya is ready to face strong teams like South Africa and Guinea in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, insisting the team has both talent and hunger to compete at the highest level. 

Odhiambo said the team will not go into the competition just to participate, but to compete for top honours.

Even though Kenya has already qualified for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as co-hosts, the qualifiers will still be used as important preparation matches for the tournament. 

Kenya have been drawn in a tough Group D alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea, with only one additional team expected to qualify from the group. South Africa and Guinea are seen as the strongest sides in the group. 

Odhiambo, however, believes Kenya has what it takes to challenge them.  He says playing against strong opponents will help the team grow and improve ahead of the main tournament.

“We know what this tournament means to Kenyans and we are ready to give everything for the badge,” Odhiambo said.

He added that the squad is full of talented and determined players who are eager to perform for the country.

“We have talent in this squad, but more importantly, we have players who are hungry to succeed for the country,” he said.

The Harambee Stars also expect new additions to strengthen the team, including foreign-born players who have Kenyan roots and are being integrated into the squad by coach Benni McCarthy.

Odhiambo welcomed the new call-ups, saying competition for places will raise the overall performance of the team.

“When new players come in, everybody raises their level because no one wants to lose their place,” he noted.

Kenya will begin their qualifiers against Eritrea on September 23, before facing Guinea away and later playing back-to-back matches against South Africa in November.

Odhiambo says these matches will be a key test of Kenya’s strength and readiness as they prepare for AFCON 2027.