Africa-Press – Kenya. Harambee Stars return to Amahoro Stadium on Monday at 7:00 pm EAT with renewed intent, seeking a commanding response against Grenada after the anguish of a penalty shootout defeat to Estonia that cut deep in Kigali.
Midfield anchor Richard Odada has reflected on the painful 5-4 shootout loss that followed a dramatic 1-1 draw in regulation time, noting that the dressing room remains clouded by what might have been.
He brushed off the personal setback of a missed penalty against Estonia, maintaining a calm and focused outlook. He insists the mark of progress will be seen in the team’s ability to show mental strength, recover quickly, and answer the setback with renewed purpose.
“We were obviously very disappointed after the Estonia game, especially because we felt we had done enough to get something out of it,” Odada said. “When you take a match into penalties, it becomes a different kind of pressure situation, and unfortunately, it didn’t go our way.”
Odada added that the focus internally has shifted quickly toward performance correction rather than emotional recovery. “What we have spoken about as players is that we cannot allow one result to affect our confidence going forward,” he said.
“We created chances, we controlled important phases of the match, especially after halftime, and that shows we are moving in the right direction. But now we need to be more clinical and more consistent across the entire game.”
The towering midfielder, who features for Romanian SuperLiga side UTA Arad, has become one of the central tactical pillars in head coach Benni McCarthy’s midfield structure, offering defensive balance and transitional stability.
Against Estonia, Odada completed a full shift through regulation and extra time, anchoring the midfield in a physically demanding contest that swung on fine margins. Despite the eventual outcome, he believes there were important lessons to carry forward.
“At this level, games are decided by very small details,” Odada said. “It can be one moment of concentration, one decision in the final third, or one set-piece. We have to learn to manage those moments better, especially in big matches.”
He further emphasised that the squad must develop a stronger closing mentality. “We cannot just play well for phases of the game,” he said. “We need to learn how to finish matches, how to manage pressure, and how to see games through when we are in control. That is the next step for us as a team.”
Head coach Benni McCarthy has also sought to frame the Estonia result within the broader development of the team, insisting that the performance level is improving even if results are not yet fully reflecting that growth.
“I thought overall the players gave a very good account of themselves,” McCarthy said. “The reaction after going behind, the way we controlled large periods of the second half, and the mentality to stay in the game all the way to penalties—those are positive signs for us.”
McCarthy acknowledged, however, that the team must eliminate slow starts and improve game management if they are to progress.
“What we need now is consistency over 90 minutes,” he explained. “We cannot afford to start games slowly and then chase control later. At the international level, if you give good teams time and space early on, you are always playing catch-up.”
He stressed that the Grenada fixture offers both a challenge and an opportunity for further assessment of the squad’s progress.
“We are still in a building phase,” McCarthy said. “This tournament has given us valuable information about the players and the system. Every match is important for us, not just in terms of results, but in terms of learning and improvement.”
Grenada are expected to present a different tactical problem, relying on compact defensive organisation, physical duels, and quick counter-attacks to disrupt Kenya’s rhythm. McCarthy has warned his players not to underestimate the opposition.
“There is no such thing as an easy international match,” he said. “Grenada will be disciplined, they will be organised, and they will fight for every ball. If we are not at our best mentally and physically, we will struggle.”
He added that discipline and focus will be crucial throughout the match. “We must respect the opponent and respect the game plan,” McCarthy said. “When we stay disciplined, we are a very good team. But when we lose structure, we make games difficult for ourselves.”
The match also presents another opportunity for players to strengthen their case for long-term roles within the squad, with McCarthy continuing to evaluate combinations and depth across all departments.
“We are still trying to find the right balance,” McCarthy said. “Some players are stepping up, others are learning, and that is part of the process. What matters is how they respond under pressure.”
For Harambee Stars, the broader picture now extends beyond results. The FIFA Series has become a measure of growth, exposing both strengths and gaps in equal measure. Odada believes the key is translating lessons into consistency.
“We have shown that we can compete,” Odada said. “Now it is about doing it every time we step on the pitch, not just in moments.”
He also stressed the importance of collective responsibility in responding to setbacks. “As players, we have to take ownership,” Odada said. “We cannot rely on moments or excuses. We have to be accountable for the full 90 minutes.”
McCarthy summed up the assignment with clarity. “We must respond in the right way. That is the expectation. We know what we need to do. Now we have to go out and show it.”
