Ian Otieno Sends Powerful Statement With Match-Winning Performance for Richards Bay

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno was in inspired form on Saturday afternoon as Richards Bay FC booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout with a 3-1 extra-time triumph over Durban City. 

The Kenyan international produced a string of crucial saves and commanding interventions that kept the Natal Rich Boys in contention before their late surge sealed victory.

Otieno’s performance was a timely reminder of his quality ahead of next month’s FIFA international window, where Harambee Stars are expected to regroup under coach Benni McCarthy for possible friendlies or training camps.

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Despite Kenya not yet announcing their fixtures, the 31-year-old shot-stopper sent a clear message that he remains one of the country’s most reliable goalkeepers in top form.

In a tense quarter-final clash, Durban City looked the sharper side early on, with Letsie Koapeng testing Otieno with a fierce low shot at the near post. 

The Richards Bay keeper was quick to react, diving low to his right to parry the danger away. That early intervention set the tone for his afternoon — calm, composed, and ever alert.

City’s Trevor Mokwena broke the deadlock with a precise finish off the foot of the post, but Otieno continued to rally his backline, barking orders and keeping his side focused. His authority between the sticks gave Richards Bay the confidence to stay patient, knowing their man at the back was in total control.

Even after going behind, Otieno denied Mokwena a second goal with a brilliant fingertip save, stretching full length to divert the midfielder’s curling shot around the post. It proved to be a turning point in the game.

Otieno’s leadership and composure came to the fore as the hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser. With Durban City threatening on the counter, the Kenyan produced another vital intervention, rushing off his line to smother a one-on-one effort from substitute Samkelo Maseko. Moments later, his long distribution sparked the attack that eventually led to Knox Mutizwa’s equaliser in the 79th minute.

That moment seemed to lift the entire stadium — and Richards Bay never looked back. In extra time, Mbulelo Nombengula put them ahead before Lundi Mahala sealed the result with a third goal late on.

 But even as the goals flowed at the other end, it was Otieno’s calm assurance and earlier saves that gave his side the foundation to fight back.

Speaking after the game, Otieno expressed pride in the team’s resilience and hinted that he was eager to carry his form into international duty if called upon. 

“It was a great team effort today. We showed character and belief,” he told reporters after the match.

“As a goalkeeper, it’s always special to help your team in big moments. I’m just focused on staying sharp — you never know when the national call might come.”

With the November international window approaching, Otieno’s performance could not have come at a better time. 

Kenya’s national team setup is undergoing a new phase under Benni McCarthy, who is keen to inject discipline and competition for places. 

Otieno’s display in South Africa will not have gone unnoticed, as his combination of shot-stopping, distribution and leadership ticks all the boxes McCarthy values in a modern goalkeeper.