Kenya’s Harambee Stars began their CHAN 2024 campaign on a perfect note, defeating two-time champions DR Congo 1-0 in a pulsating Group A opener at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.
It was a historic night for the East African nation as midfielder Austin Odhiambo fired home in the final moments of the first half, sealing Kenya’s first-ever win — and first goal — in the African Nations Championship history.
Backed by a vibrant home crowd and high expectations, coach Benni McCarthy’s side stepped onto the pitch with purpose and confidence. The South African tactician made bold choices in his starting XI, naming Bryan Omondi in goal, with Alphonse Omija, Daniel Sakari, and captain Aboud Omar forming a solid defensive trio. In midfield, the engine room featured Ryan Ogam, Alpha Onyango, Suleiman Okwaro, and the match-winner Odhiambo, while Masoud Juma and Daniel Sakwa led the line.
But the match didn’t start in Kenya’s favor.
Just five minutes in, DR Congo thought they had drawn first blood when Jephte Kitambala Bola capitalized on a defensive lapse to score past Omondi. However, the joy for the Leopards was short-lived — the goal was disallowed for offside after a quick consultation between the referee and his assistant, much to the relief of Kenyan fans.
That disallowed goal woke up the Stars. With Odhiambo pulling the strings in midfield, Kenya began to gain control of the game. Sakari and Sakwa combined down the right, creating a promising opportunity, but Sakwa’s finish lacked power.
Kenya kept pushing forward with intent. In the 20th minute, Odhiambo whipped in a dangerous free-kick from outside the box, finding Juma whose header drifted agonizingly wide of the post.
Despite DR Congo sitting back and looking to counter, they remained a threat. In the 30th minute, Mbiyeye Bisamuna attempted to catch Omondi off his line with a speculative long-range shot, but the Kenyan keeper recovered swiftly to deny the effort.
Then came the breakthrough.
In the dying seconds of the first half, Masoud Juma delivered a brilliant cross from the left and Austin Odhiambo timed his run perfectly to meet it. With a composed finish, he beat goalkeeper Brudel Efonge to give Kenya a 1-0 lead and send Kasarani into a frenzy. It was a goal that made history — Kenya’s first-ever at CHAN — and it came in front of their home fans.
Austin Odhiambo’s goal.#TeamKenya #CHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/Fek3ikSBSl
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) August 3, 2025
In the second half, DR Congo responded with urgency. Otis N’Goma’s side looked sharper and more aggressive in their attacking approach. Kitambala, who had a goal ruled out earlier, found himself with two golden chances — one went over the bar, and the other rattled the woodwork after a clever setup by substitute Heltone Kayembe.
Sensing the shift in momentum, McCarthy made a tactical switch. Boniface Muchiri and Marvin Omondi were brought on for Juma and Okwaro in the 58th minute. The substitutions added fresh legs to the Kenyan midfield, slowing down DR Congo’s rhythm and allowing Harambee Stars to regain their shape.
DR Congo pressed hard in the final quarter of the match, but the Kenyan defense stood tall. Omija and Omar made crucial clearances, and Omondi remained alert between the posts, punching away corners and intercepting through balls.
With the final whistle, Kasarani erupted in celebration. Kenya had not only beaten one of the tournament’s most successful sides, but also made a massive statement on home soil. The 1-0 win means the Harambee Stars top Group A after Matchday 1 and carry huge momentum into their next clash.
Meanwhile, in Group B action, Tanzania also got off to a flying start, defeating Burkina Faso 2-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. A penalty from Abdul Sopu in the first half and a powerful header by Mohamed Hussein in the second secured the win for the Taifa Stars. The result gave Tanzanians further reason to cheer after a vibrant opening ceremony attended by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
With both Kenya and Tanzania winning their opening fixtures, the East African nations have given themselves a strong platform in the group stage, igniting hopes of a deep run in the tournament.
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