Kenya made a dream start to their maiden appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a stunning 1-0 win over two-time champions DR Congo in front of a capacity crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, on Sunday.
In a tense and electric Group A opener, Austin Odhiambo’s first-half strike proved the difference, securing a memorable debut win for the hosts and sending a clear message to the rest of the continent.
The CHAN tournament, which is reserved exclusively for players competing in their home leagues, serves as a launchpad for emerging domestic talent—and Kenya’s young stars rose to the occasion with composure and grit.
The match began with early drama, as DR Congo thought they had taken the lead in the fifth minute when Jephté Kitambala found the back of the net. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, handing the early reprieve to the hosts.
Despite the Congolese dominating possession in the opening stages, Kenya weathered the pressure and gradually grew in confidence, inspired by the unwavering support of 60,000 fans who packed the stadium.
Their breakthrough came deep into first-half stoppage time. Midfielder David Sakwa threaded a precise pass through the DR Congo defence, and Odhiambo, showing great composure, slotted the ball into the bottom corner with his left foot in the 45+2 minute. The crowd erupted as Kenya took a shock lead over one of Africa’s most successful CHAN teams.
DR Congo, aiming to improve on their goalless campaign in the 2022 edition, mounted a determined second-half response. They came close on several occasions, particularly through aerial threats from Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala, but the Kenyan defence stood tall.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi made a crucial intervention in the 59th minute, leaping to push Heltone Kayembe’s fierce long-range shot over the bar. At the back, defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija were resolute, clearing wave after wave of Congolese set pieces.
Kenya’s coach, Benni McCarthy, made tactical substitutions to protect the slender lead, introducing Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire to tighten the midfield and add defensive steel as the match wore on.
The seven minutes of added time tested the nerves of the home crowd, but the Harambee Stars B side held firm, claiming their first-ever victory at the CHAN finals. The result made them only the third debutant nation to win their opening match in the tournament’s history.
For DR Congo, the defeat extended their winless streak in CHAN to five matches and left them with a mountain to climb in their remaining group fixtures.
Kenya will next take on Angola in their second group match on Thursday, while DR Congo must bounce back quickly as they face defending champions Morocco.
