Nairobi City Stars midfielder Vincent Owino Otieno is elated after earning a call to the Kenyan National team featuring in the 2025 African Nations Championship.
Despite being a co-host of the event to be held from February 2025, and guaranteed a place in the showpiece, Kenya entered the Central Eastern Zone qualifiers starting in the first round against South Sudan.
Destination ➡️ Juba ✈️
🏆 CHAN qualifiers #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/Chi7cLf9bc
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 25, 2024
During the first leg game played in Juba on 27 Oct 2024, Owino started off the bench, and was a late substitute – grabbing his first minutes in Kenyan colors – as Kenya went down 2-0.
How we line up today against South Sudan pic.twitter.com/dx5I9xo7yK
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 27, 2024
“Simply, I was excited at the first ever call up. I thank God for this opportunity. I had been working hard and waiting for it for so long,” said the versatile midfielder who is comfortable with all midfield roles.
“My debut (in Juba) went very well. I managed to earn a few minutes and I loved the experience. I look forward to more games and minutes, and to be able to push the team forward. I’ll do my best when that chance presents itself,” he added
Owino was retained in the squad for the reverse game against the South Sudanese side set for Sun 3 November, 2024, at the Mandela National Stadium, Kampala.
Touch down 🛬 in Kampala for the CHAN qualifier return leg match against South Sudan!
🇰🇪 vs 🇸🇸 #Tunaweza pic.twitter.com/OZyW2MUbfK— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 31, 2024