Gor Mahia's Alphonce Omija reflects on unforgettable experience of marking Brighton's Simon Adingra on his Harambee Stars debut

Omija has reflected on his debut for Kenya against Ivory Coast, when he managed to keep Brighton's Simon Adingra at bay.

Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija has reflected more on his debut for Harambee Stars against Ivory Coast last June, a game that really cemented his status as a dependable player in national team colours.

Omija, who returned to Gor Mahia after a stint out in Oman playing for Dhofar, where he managed to win the King's Cup, surprised many with his assured display against Ivory Coast and Brighton & Hove Albion winger Simon Adingra, putting him at bay and preventing him from creating any chances down that flank.

His performance earned him very many plaudits, and he maintained that momentum during the COSAFA Cup a couple of weeks later, where he did well in the same position linking up with Rooney Onyango for the Emerging Stars in South Africa.

Speaking on Passion Sports in a recent interview, Omija reflected on earning his first call up last match although he did not play, and then being trusted against the reigning African champions where he outdid himself.

“I was coming to play as a center back. I did not play during the first call up at the Malawi Four Nations tournament but I knew a time would come for me to play,” Omija said

“I was asking myself alot of questions, wondering why the coach was not picking me.”

Omija admitted at having mixed feelings before he debuted, having been asked to play in an unorthodox hybrid wide right center back and right back, with the team constantly changing shape from a 4-4-2 out of possession to a 3-5-2 in possession.

“The opportunity came during the qualifiers. The coach could place you anywhere. He played me right back but asked me to be simple. He was not expecting me to do a Kyle Walker, but he knew I was good. 

“I can’t say I was scared but I was a bit nervous. I prayed to God things would go well. Even the players were wondering, why not play Daniel Anyembe at right back and Ali at center back?

“I felt good. I learnt. It was a great experience. Most people did not expect me to deliver but I stunned them but after that game, many people sent me texts  telling me that I had played well, even those I perceive to be like haters.”

Omija has credited Simba’s Duke Abuya for reassuring him in training before the match.

“Duke Abuya told me that I would play well because I had shown it in training.”

Adingra has been taking the world by storm both for his country and Brighton, and is known for his speed, verticality as well as his ability to isolate his opponents one on one. For Omija to manage to nullify him, it was an experience he will never forget.

“I think I delivered the way the coach wanted me to. The aim was to silence him defensively. He bypassed me on a couple of occasions, but I nullified him for most part.”

Although he can also play as a defensive midfielder, it is at center back where he feels he is more natural and believes he can end up earning more caps in that position in future.

“I cannot say that. My natural position is center back. I will work hard for more opportunities, especially in my preferred position.”

Meanwhile, Omija believes that Kenya still have a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they can gain more points in the remaining games moving forward.

Kenya sit fourth in group F on five points, five behind leaders Ivory Coast, with crunch games set to take place next season.

“The feeling after both games was different. The mood was not good after we drew with Burundi because we expected to beat them. After the Ivory Coast game, the spirits skyrocketed. That is a game we would have won if we took our chances. 

“We still have a chance. We could even make the playoff if things go well. If we can capitalise on our home games and then other results go our way, anything is possible.”