Austine is hungry for more goals after skinning DR Congo's Leopards

Austine Odhiambo celebrates after scoting for Harambee Stars against DRC at Kasarani stadium. [Stafford Ondego, Standard] "I want to help Kenya win the African Nations Championship (CHAN) trophy, so it's the reason I'm so hungry to pump in goals." This is the message that has been put across by Kenya's footballer of the moment Austine "Rolls-Royce" Odhiambo. The attacking midfielder notched the all-important goal for Kenya against the Leopards of DR Congo in the opening fixture of the eighth edition of Chan staged at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday. The feat has motivated the 26-year-old midfield wizard to look forward to Kenya's second battle in the continental showpiece against Angola tomorrow with lots of confidence. "I want to score another one on Thursday, I want to pump in many goals in this tournament, I want to see this cup remain at home," an energised Austine told Standard Sports. The Gor Mahia player, who made his debut in the senior national team last year, has told his teammates to put their best foot forward against Angola, noting that the Sable Antelopes are much tougher than the Leopards of DR Congo whom they overcame at weekend. "As a team, let's harness the energy from our fans, let's create chances and score goals. Let's use home advantage to our favour in the remaining fixtures," he said. "We have to pull up our socks, we have to work twice harder to beat Angola. We have to utilise our chances well and effectively to stay afloat in this championship. "We are already working on areas to strengthen ahead of Angola tie, part of it are the game management, ball possession and ball control that we were mostly short of on Sunday," he said. Austine is happy with the current mood in Harambee Stars camp, that has been brought about with his winning goal in the opening match. "Everyone is ecstatic, we are happy, but again we are fully focused on the upcoming fixture, because we must win it," he said. In order to nip victory in against Angola, the dazzling midfielder is calling upon full support from the 12th man, thanking the fans for turning up in large numbers against DR Congo on Sunday. "We need the fans badly on Thursday, we need them in the entire championship. Kindly turn up in your numbers, because we need your amazing energy. Together we can do it. Let's unite and do this as Kenyans. Together as one, nothing can stop us," he said. While he is promising to find the back of the net against Angola, Austine is also pledging to control Harambee Stars midfield like a colossus in the encounter, promising that he will leave no stone unturned. "The good thing is that all the players manning the zone know each other, we have played together in the league and in the other tournaments. Right now we are trying to gel and I believe all the tactics we have learnt in the camp will come handy to help us make is in midfield solid during the match," said Austine who had a tough Kenyan Premier League season, which was coupled with injuries, despite rising to bag the coveted league's Most Valuable Player award at the end of the season. When asked how he feels to score Kenya's sole goal against DR Congo that gave the country the all important three points, Austine said: "I feel so happy. The goal has motivated me to do even better. "When I got hold of that ball, I already knew where to place it because the defender was backpedaling, so I got composed, beat him with a low short, driving the ball all the way to the back of the net. "It's not my best ever goal, but I want to dedicate it to my mother who has been supportive of my football career." Austine is so grateful to have earned a call up to feature in Chan saying it's such a priceless moment for him and his career. "It's a privilege to represent Kenya in this tournament, it's the wish for all players who feature in the domestic league to be here. So, I just want to put my best foot forward to get the best out of this championship," he said.

Austine is hungry for more goals after skinning DR Congo's Leopards

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Austine is hungry for more goals after skinning DR Congo's Leopards

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