- Harambee Stars beat DR Congo 1-0 to secure their first win in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 debut.
- Kenya’s goal was scored by Austin Odhiambo in a match staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday, August 3.
- Harambee Stars will face Angola in their next match on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Kasarani Stadium.
The Kenya men’s national football team, Harambee Stars, composed of locally based players, etched their names in history by securing a memorable win in their debut appearance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
Introduced in 2007 and first held in 2009, Kenya had never previously qualified for the tournament.
However, 16 years later, they finally earned a spot automatically qualifying as one of the host nations for the 2024 edition of the 19-team championship, alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
On Sunday, August 3, at a vibrant 88%-filled Kasarani Stadium (capacity: 48,063), Benni McCarthy’s squad clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory against two-time champions and seven-time participants, DR Congo.
A stunning solo effort by Austin Odhiambo secured all three points, cementing Kenya’s position as a formidable contender in Group A alongside fellow heavyweights Morocco, Zambia, and Angola.
ALSO READ: CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars make history against DR Congo as Austin Odhiambo shines
While the tournament offers a stage for homegrown talent to shine, it also serves as a platform for assessing which African domestic leagues produce the most competitive players.
In the wake of this remarkable victory, SportPesa Blog highlights the standout performers who left a lasting impression in the opening match.
Harambee Stars standout players in the CHAN 2024 opening match against DR Congo
Austin Odhiambo 9/10
The 2023 Kenya Premier League MVP silenced critics with a composed and commanding performance.
Despite a challenging 2024/25 season at Gor Mahia, where he was occasionally sidelined and his club lost both the league title and the FKF Cup, Odhiambo rose to the occasion.
His intelligent decision-making, incisive crosses, and exceptional chemistry with Ryan Ogam and David Sakwa were instrumental in dismantling the Leopards defense.
His goal not only sealed Kenya’s win but also etched his name in the history books as the first-ever Kenyan to score in the CHAN tournament.
Alpha Onyango 8/10
Odhiambo’s teammate at Gor Mahia, Alpha Onyango, orchestrated play from central midfield with poise and precision.
His accurate distribution and defensive solidity earned him the Man of the Match award.
Perhaps his breakthrough was delayed so he could flourish under Benni McCarthy’s guidance.
The South African tactician has shown unwavering faith in Onyango, and the young midfielder has repaid that trust with consistent excellence.
David Sakwa 8/10
Few anticipated Sakwa’s inclusion in the starting XI, but the Bandari winger proved his worth. Operating effectively on the right flank, he delivered a crucial assist for Kenya’s winning goal.
Though some of his crosses went unconverted by Ogam and Masoud Juma, his attacking contribution was undeniable.
Bryne Omondi 8/10
The Bandari FC goalkeeper appeared nervous in the opening minutes but quickly regained his composure.
Omondi saved several threats from DR Congo, notably denying efforts from Ibrahim Mubalu and Kalonji Katumbwe. His command in dealing with set-pieces kept Kenya’s goal intact.
Aboud Omar 8/10
The veteran defender and team captain led by example. His authoritative presence kept the left side of the defense disciplined.
He was involved in a critical moment when DR Congo thought they had taken the lead in the first half, but the goal was disallowed after Omar had been fouled.
Compared to his club teammate Daniel Sakari, who struggled against the pace of Ibrahim on the right wing, Omar held his own with distinction.
Ryan Ogam 7/10
There were questions surrounding Ryan Ogam’s inclusion in Benni McCarthy’s starting lineup, with doubts over whether the forward had fully recovered after missing half of last season due to injury.
However, Ogam rose to the occasion and proved to be a valuable asset in McCarthy’s setup.
He consistently created opportunities in the final third, displaying sharp vision and intelligent positioning.
Though occasionally outpaced by the Congolese defenders during his runs, his overall contribution was commendable and showed promising signs of his return to top form.
Okwaro, Omija and Owino shine at the backline
The above players stood out for their contributions, but others like Sylvester Owino, Manzur Okwaro, and Alphonce Omija also performed commendably, holding the backline with composure despite limited pressure from the Congolese attack.
Masoud Juma, on the other hand, struggled to find rhythm. While he created several opportunities, his connection with teammates seemed off, and he was eventually substituted.
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.