Omija shifts focus to World Cup Qualifiers after CHAN exit

Kenya exited CHAN at the quarterfinal stage, a setback Omija says has left the players eager to redeem themselves when they host Seychelles on September 5 and Gambia, coached by Jonathan McKinstry, four days later.

“It was unfortunate that we were eliminated at the quarterfinal stage when we really wanted to play in the final. We are now focused on the World Cup qualifiers, and we intend to redeem ourselves by collecting maximum points,” said Omija, who also turns out for Gor Mahia in the local league.

The defender admitted that missing the decisive penalty in the CHAN quarterfinals was emotionally difficult, but he has since moved on.
“I still feel affected by that miss because it eventually led to our painful exit. There was pressure from every corner, but I believe it was not God’s plan for us to go further,” he noted.

Despite the setback, Omija insists Kenya has no reason to fear any team, saying both sides always field 11 players.

The towering centre-back also praised the Football Kenya Federation for providing what he described as the best-ever hospitality and facilitation during CHAN, noting it motivated both local and foreign-based players.
“We thank the federation for the level of hospitality we received. Even visiting teams acknowledged it, and this should be the way forward,” he added.

Omija further expressed delight after players received monetary rewards from President William Ruto as promised, with the funds reflecting in their accounts the morning after every win.

Meanwhile, several players who featured in CHAN have been dropped ahead of the qualifiers, including Gor Mahia playmaker Austin Odhiambo, Daniel Sakari, Crispine Erambo and Siraj Mohammed.