The East African nation made their debut in the tournament only reserved for players who feature in their respective local leagues, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against two-time champions DR Congo at a sold-out Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.
Odhiambo, who locally plays for record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia, settled the tightly contested tie with a superbly taken goal in the 45th minute to hand Harambee Stars their first-ever CHAN victory and goal in the history of the tournament.
Kenya’s breakthrough came just before the break when Odhiambo latched onto a pass from David Sakwa in the 45+2 minute, and coolly guided a left-footed shot into the bottom corner beyond Brudel Efonge.
However, coming into the second period, DR Congo looked the better side pinning Harambee Stars at their own half, a situation that forced Kenyan head coach Benni McCarthy to make a double change - Boniface Muchiri and Marvin Omondi coming in for striker Masoud Juma and Suleiman Okwaro.
Kenya needs to improve on managing the ball
The Leopards, who had failed to score in the 2022 edition, dominated set-pieces and came close through headers from Jonathan Mokonzi and Jephte Kitambala, but Kenya’s defence held firm.
Again, Kenya custodian Byrne Omondi made a crucial save, tipping Heltone Kayembe’s powerful drive over the bar, while defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija repelled a late barrage of Congolese corners.
“We really need to improve so much,” Odhiambo confessed to Flashscore. “Like I said, DR Congo was the better team, so we really need to improve much on the game.”
Asked which area Kenya needs to improve on, Odhiambo said: “We have to look at many things but most importantly, we must improve especially on how to manage the ball more because we were losing so many balls.
“For us to succeed in the next game, we really must step up our game.”
On scoring the goal which turned out to be the first-ever for Kenya in the CHAN and eventually the winner, Odhiambo said: “It feels really great, but most important is the fact we did it as a team, it was teamwork. The fans were the best fans, so far, we are so happy they pushed us to the end, and we gave them a positive result.”
Kenya's defence needs to settle from kick-off
Meanwhile, according to former Gor Mahia coach Bob Oyugi, Harambee Stars looked shaky at the start of the game, something he warned they must avoid when they play their next game.
“It was well done for our boys to win their first game, but they still need to work on both defensive and offensive play,” Oyugi told Flashscore. “Kenya needs a sharp forward line, with frequent attacks, plus a covering, and supporting midfield.
“It will be easier for us to first watch all the games then diagnosis would work well. The entire team had determination to win the first match, they only need to improve more, knowing well that the opponents analysed their game.”
Oyugi concluded: “The coach (McCarthy) is building a new team. Both our fullbacks must be on the lookout, and the midfielders should not expose the defence to the opponents.”
Kenya will next face Angola on Thursday, while DR Congo take on Zambia.
