Kenya announced their arrival on the continental stage with a hard-fought 1-0 win over African Nations Championship (CHAN) heavyweights DR Congo, as the hosts opened their PAMOJA 2024 campaign in front of a raucous crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi.
A crisp first-half finish from Austin Odhiambo proved enough to separate the sides, handing the Harambee Stars a dream start to their maiden appearance at the CHAN finals.
DR Congo, champions in 2009 and 2016, arrived with pedigree but struggled to assert dominance against a resolute and tactically aware Kenyan outfit that showed little sign of stage fright once the early nerves settled.
The Leopards looked to have struck early when forward Jephté Kitambala turned in a fifth-minute effort, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for offside, an early warning sign that sparked Kenya into life.
Despite DR Congo controlling possession in the opening exchanges, the hosts slowly found their rhythm. Urged on by the deafening energy of nearly 60,000 supporters, Kenya grew in confidence and found their breakthrough on the stroke of halftime.
Odhiambo, the attacking heartbeat of this youthful Kenyan side, timed his run to perfection, latching onto David Sakwa’s incisive pass before slotting coolly past Brudel Efonge in goal. It was a finish of composure and class, met with an eruption from the terraces.
From there, the match became a test of grit and discipline. DR Congo, desperate to avoid a fifth straight match without victory in the competition, pushed hard after the interval. Heltone Kayembe and Kitambala both threatened, while Jonathan Mokonzi’s aerial presence troubled the Kenyan backline.
But it was goalkeeper Byrne Omondi who proved the standout in the second half, making a crucial fingertip save in the 59th minute to deny Kayembe’s goalbound strike—a moment that underscored the resilience of this Kenyan unit.
Coach Benni McCarthy, overseeing his first major tournament in charge of the Harambee Stars, opted for pragmatism in the closing stages. His substitutions were deliberate: Mike Kibwage added composure at the back, while Marvin Nabwire helped neutralise Congolese momentum in midfield.
Seven minutes of added time brought tension to boiling point. But Kenya’s defence, anchored by Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija, withstood the late siege to secure a historic result. In doing so, they became only the third debutant team in CHAN history to win their opening match.
For DR Congo, the loss adds to growing frustration in a tournament they once dominated. Otis Ngoma’s side must regroup quickly ahead of a tricky fixture against Morocco, while Kenya, now buoyed by belief and home support, face Angola on Thursday with one foot already edging toward the knockout rounds.
