- The Kenya vs DR Congo CHAN 2024 Group A opener ended 1-0 in favor of Harambee Stars.
- Austin Odhiambo scored Harambee Stars’ goal in the closing stages of the first half.
- Harambee Stars will play Angola in their next match on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at the Kasarani Stadium.
Austin Odhiambo etched his name in the history books as the first-ever Kenyan player to score in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), guiding Harambee Stars to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo on Sunday afternoon.
The triumph marked Kenya’s first win in the CHAN 2024 edition of the tournament, in a match that was staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
At a vibrant 88%-filled Kasarani Stadium, Kenya began the match with high intensity as David Sakwa launched an early attack down the left flank.
However, his overhit cross failed to connect in the box, missing an opportunity to make an early impact.
Moments later, the Leopards appeared to take the lead through Jephete Bola, who found the net despite protests from Kenyan players over a possible foul on captain Aboud Omar during the buildup.
Their celebrations were cut short, however, when referee Jelly Chavani consulted VAR and ultimately disallowed the goal, restoring parity.
Kenya continued to threaten, with Ryan Ogam combining effectively with Odhiambo on the right wing.
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A clever lofted pass from Austin nearly resulted in a shot on target, but the ball flew past Ogam before he could react.
In the 16th minute, DR Congo earned a promising free kick after Daniel Sakari committed a foul near the left corner.
Kaluo Katumbwe rose to meet the delivery with a powerful header, but it narrowly missed the target.
Three minutes later, Kenya won a similar set-piece on the opposite end after Ogam was fouled.
Aboud Omar stepped up to take the kick, forcing a fingertip save from goalkeeper Brudel Liyongo, as the game remained delicately poised.
Around the half-hour mark, Kenya created one of their clearest chances when Omar threaded a pass to Odhiambo, who delivered a well-timed volley to Masoud Juma.
Juma’s strike, however, was superbly parried by Liyongo, denying the forward a breakthrough.
David Sakwa then tested the goalkeeper with a long-range effort that flew just over the bar, while Ogam remained a persistent threat down the wing with a series of dangerous crosses. Despite their dominance, Kenya struggled to break the deadlock.
Finally, in the dying moments of the first half, Odhiambo capitalized on a lapse in DR Congo’s defense.
Afterrt a brilliant tackle and interception, he surged forward and clinically slotted the ball past Liyongo, thanks to a brilliant assist from Sakwa.
His historic goal sent the home crowd into jubilation, and Kenya entered the break with a deserved 1-0 lead.
DR Congo emerged from halftime with renewed urgency, making two changes, bringing on Helton Kayembe and Josou Kazema for Lise Ntumba and Dieu Bisamuna, in an attempt to draw level.
They launched several dangerous offensives, including a threatening move from Bola, who had been largely quiet since the first half, but Kenya’s defense stood resolute.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy forced to make substitution
Coach Benni McCarthy was forced into early substitutions as Masoud Juma made way for Marvin Nabwire, while Boniface Muchiri replaced the injured Manzur Okwaro.
Despite the Stallions’ efforts and numerous tactical adjustments, they were unable to break past Bryne Omondi, who expertly cleared several of their attempts.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s defense remained resolute, firmly guarding their slim lead as the referee added seven minutes of stoppage time, heightening the tension among Kenyan supporters packed into the renovated 48,063-seat Kasarani Stadium, all anxiously awaiting victory.
Nevertheless, Kenya held firm, displaying composure to secure their first win in Group A.
A reward of 40 million shillings now awaits the team, following a pledge from President William Ruto.
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Looking ahead, Harambee Stars will face Angola in their second Group A fixture on Thursday, August 7, at Kasarani Stadium.
With Angola having suffered a defeat to Morocco in their opening match, Kenya will be aiming for another victory to solidify their path to the knockout stage.
Harambee Stars Starting XI
Bryne Omondi, Daniel Sakari, Alphonce Omija, Aboud Omar, Sylvester Owino, Manzur Okwaro, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma
DR Congo Starting XI
Brudel Liyongo, Lise Ntumba, Miche Mika, Jephte Bola, Ibrahim Mubalu, Dieu Bisamuna, Papy Bulenge, Kaluo Katumbwe, Osee Lutaladio.