Gor Mahia have heavily been reliant on Austin Odhiambo and it is easy to understand why. Here i everything you need to know about Odhiambo’s importance for Gor Mahia.
The full-time whistle at the Dandora Stadium on Wednesday March 5 brought a a sigh of relief to the Gor Mahia technical bench and their adoring fanbase.
The 3-1 come from behind win was made straightforward, thanks to Austin Odhiambo’s second half brace after Alpha Onyango delivered a first half stoppage time equalizer.
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It was the second time Odhiambo played under Croatian coach Sinica Mihic following his appointment on February 3, taking over from Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, who was serving as interim coach.
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Most importantly, it was also the first time the record champions delivered their best performance under Mihic, who praised his charges afterwards for sticking to the game plan and suffocating Kariobangi Sharks.
Odhiambo had not played for the 21-time FKFPL champions after suffering from knee injury in January 19.
Odhiambo, known as ‘Rolls Royce’ in football circles, spend more than a month on the treatment table, a period that saw K’Ogallo blow hot and cold, threatening to put their title defense into jeopardy. It must have been tough emotionally for the player to bare the brunt of having to watch the matches on the sidelines, and worryingly, his team lacking cohesion.
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Odhiambo who was the team’s Most Valuable Player last season, ended up missing atleast four matches as Gor found it hard to break down defensive teams without their creative talismanic midfielder.
With the inconsistency, Police FC and Tusker took the full advantage of Gor Mahia’s woes to rise to the apex of the 18-team league.
The law enforcers have 42 points from 23 matches with the brewers settling for second spot on 41 points. The win against Sharks allowed Gor Mahia to close gap with Police as they boast of 39 points, having played a match less.
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He made his long-awaited return against OGOPA in the Mozzart Cup competitio, where he scored the third goal in the 3-0 win. Austin Odhiambo’s brace marked the best way to return league to action and underlined his importance to the club. Gor Mahia will hope that their go-to player remains fit until the end of the season if the team harbours hope of defending their title.
The all-action midfielder will hope to guide K’Ogallo win the postponed Mashemeji derby against AFC Leopards on April 6, a key fixture with a rich history in Kenyan football. With further fixtures against Sofapaka, Mara Sugar and Shabana to look forward to during the month, Odhiambo’s return isn’t just big for Gor Mahia-it shakes up the whole league.
Gor Mahia then settles scores with Talanta, City Stars, Murang’a SEAL, Ulinzi and Police.
Odhiambo’s timely return coincides with the team’s resurgence. His availability has made Gor Maria to dream of retaining their title. He has been the missing piece in attack. His precision, razor-sharp passing and eye for goal makes K’Ogallo a threat against any team. With Odhiambo, Gor Mahia hold more attacking threat than when he’s not playing. He adds a new dimension into the team’s attack because of his playmaking brilliance and is the most dangerous player with the ball on his feet.
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Odhiambo’s sumptuous free-kick against Sharks was Frank Lampard-esque, and reminded fans what he is capable of when he is in his element. His free-kick goal sent wild celebrations at the Dandora Stadium, with fans chanting his name throughout. Lucky for Odhiambo, newly-appointed Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy was watching and there was no better place he could have started his tenure than at Dandora.
Odhiambo holds the key for Gor Mahia’s title defense. His return will definitely have Tusker and Police watching, praying that he doesn’t hit the imperious form he was in before the injury. With the league entering homestretch, Gor Mahia have a realistic chance of successfully retaining their league title and Odhiambo is integral to the objective.
Before the injury, Odhiambo managed six league goals from five matches. While his brace took his tally to eight for the season, Odhiambo has a lot to prove.
