CHAN 2024 Golden Boot Race: How Kenya’s Austin Odhiambo and Ryan Ogam Rank

Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo is at the heart of Kenya’s CHAN 2024 story both for his goal-scoring impact at the tournament and his shock omission from the national team squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.

Odhiambo was one of the bright sparks in Kenya’s debut CHAN campaign, scoring twice to finish as the Harambee Stars’ joint-top scorer.

Alongside striker Ryan Ogam, who also netted two goals, the pair showcased Kenya’s attacking promise on a continental stage.

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Even though Kenya exited at the quarter-final stage against Madagascar, Odhiambo and Ogam left a strong impression.

Harambee Stars performances placed them in the same scoring bracket as some of the continent’s top forwards, proving that Kenya can produce talent capable of competing against Africa’s established footballing nations.

At the top of the standings, Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui has been in unstoppable form.

The RS Berkane striker has scored four goals, including in three consecutive matches and again in the semi-final shootout against Senegal. His finishing has powered Morocco into the final and left him as the frontrunner for the Golden Boot.

Trailing him are South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela, Uganda’s Allan Okello, and Algeria’s Soufiane Bayazid, all on three goals but now eliminated. This leaves Lamlioui with a clear advantage heading into Saturday’s title clash against Madagascar.

Despite his goal-scoring exploits at CHAN, Odhiambo was left out of the 23-man squad named by head coach Benni McCarthy for next month’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Kenya will host Seychelles on September 5 and then face the Gambia on September 9 at Kasarani Stadium.

McCarthy has opted for a blend of CHAN performers such as Daniel Sakari and Chrispine Erambo with nine foreign-based professionals.

The exclusion of Odhiambo, however, has raised eyebrows among fans who see him as one of the country’s most in-form players.

4 Goals

Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco)

3 Goals

Thabiso Kutumela (South Africa)

Allan Okello (Uganda)

Soufiane Bayazid (Algeria)

2 Goals

Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa (Madagascar)

Mohamed Hrimat (Morocco)

Jephte Kitambala (DR Congo)

Sabir Bougrine (Morocco)

Kaporal (Angola)

Clement Mzize (Tanzania)

Austin Odhiambo (Kenya)

Ryan Ogam (Kenya)

Ahmed Omer (Sudan)

Toky Rakotondraibe (Madagascar)

Fenohasina Razafimaro (Madagascar)