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Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno put himself in contention for selection to the national team following a man of the match display for his South African club on Sunday.
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno showed coach Engin Firat what he could be missing after producing a man of the match performance for his South African club on Sunday.
Otieno, who joined Richards Bay last month, was starting his second game in South Africa’s Premier Super League and he produced a string of brilliant saves against giants Orlando Pirates before he was beaten very late in the contest through a moment of brilliance.
It was a game that was going to be decided by a special moment after Otieno kept Richards Bay in it with top saves in both halves.
The former Zesco United goalkeeper was first called into action in the 19th minute when he saved a great shot from South African forward Tshegofatso Mabasa although the Pirates striker was flagged offside.
Another top save came just after the hour mark when South African winger Relebohile Mofokeng weaved his way past his markers before a curling effort that saw the Richards Bay goalkeeper dive well to keep it out.
The goalkeeper then spilled Mofokeng’s rasping shot and Namibian Deon Hotto hammered in what should have been a goal for Pirates via the rebound but the custodian repelled the shot with his foot.
However, he could not stop Kabelo Dlamini’s brilliant freekick nine minutes from time, as he was rooted to the spot, watching the ball fly into the top corner.
It was a great display for Otieno who has yet to feature for Harambee Stars since October 2021.
“The game was okay I was unlucky I have let one in but going forward, I know the team will be well. It is a marathon not sprint, we are still in it and not going to give up,” Otieno said after the match.
“This is a game that is self-motivating. I am settling in well and the team, management and everyone gave me a warm welcome to the club.”
The goalkeeper has been earning call-ups to the Harambee Stars squad but is either dropped or left on the bench with Firat preferring Bandari’s Bryne Odhiambo and Kenya Police man Patrick Matasi between the sticks.
With Harambee Stars set to face Cameroon in a double header in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month, Otieno’s performance should give Firat something to think about.
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