KENYA STUN DR CONGO WITH HISTORIC CHAN OPENER WIN AT KASARANI

Harambee Stars kicked off their CHAN 2024 campaign on a high with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo at a packed Kasarani Stadium, sealing a memorable start in Group A and registering their first-ever goal and win in the African Nations Championship.

In a match filled with high stakes and tense moments, Kenya had to weather early pressure from the Leopards, who came out pressing aggressively. The Congolese dominated the opening minutes and thought they had taken the lead in the 5th minute, only for VAR to rule out the goal for a foul on Kenyan captain Aboud Omar.

That early scare jolted the Stars into action. Kenya responded with renewed energy, registering two attempts over the bar in quick succession and forcing DR Congo into a string of fouls as they struggled to contain the pace of Kenya’s wide attackers.

Midfield trio Austin Odhiambo, Sakwa, and Masoud Omar grew into the game, combining well but failing to capitalise on key openings. Frustration built in the stands as several chances went begging, but the pressure paid off just before the break.

In the 47th minute, a swift counter-attack initiated by Omar led to a moment of brilliance from Odhiambo. Collecting the ball on the left, he beat his marker with ease and slotted home with his weaker foot, wrong-footing the goalkeeper to send the stadium into raptures.

The second half saw DR Congo make tactical changes in search of an equaliser, but Kenya held firm, with goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo and the defensive line standing tall under pressure.

Kenya now top Group A with three points and will shift focus to their next fixture with momentum and belief, while DR Congo face mounting pressure after yet another disappointing outing on the continental stage.

Full-time: Kenya 1-0 DR Congo
Scorer: Austin Odhiambo (45+2’)
Venue: Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi

Next Up:
Kenya vs Libya – August 7
DR Congo vs Sudan – August 7