Kenya’s Harambee Stars announced their arrival on the continental stage with a stunning 1-0 win over two-time champions DR Congo in their debut appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.
The Group A clash, held before a raucous sell-out crowd of 60,000 at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on Sunday, marked a milestone moment for the hosts.
Austin Odhiambo’s decisive strike in first-half stoppage time sealed the victory, as Kenya overcame a nervous start to record their first-ever win in the tournament’s history.
The CHAN tournament, held every two years, features only players active in their national domestic leagues, offering a rare spotlight for local talent.
DR Congo thought they had taken an early lead when Jephté Kitambala found the net in the fifth minute, but VAR intervened to rule the effort out for offside. That reprieve allowed Kenya to regroup and settle into the match.
Despite DR Congo enjoying more of the ball in the opening stages, Kenya remained compact and gradually found their rhythm, urged on by an electric home atmosphere.
The breakthrough came in dramatic fashion in the 45+2 minute: David Sakwa threaded a clever ball through to Odhiambo, who calmly slotted a left-footed shot into the bottom corner past Congolese keeper Brudel Efonge.
The stadium erupted as Kenya took the lead against one of the tournament’s most decorated sides.
DR Congo, eager to bounce back from a goalless 2022 campaign, pressed hard for an equaliser after the break.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi made a crucial intervention in the 59th minute, tipping over a fierce strike from Heltone Kayembe, while defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija were instrumental in repelling wave after wave of Congolese pressure.
Head coach Benni McCarthy made shrewd tactical changes late in the game, bringing on Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire to tighten the midfield and protect the lead.
Seven tense minutes of added time tested the hosts’ resolve, but the Stars held their ground to secure a famous victory—becoming just the third debutant team to win their opening match in CHAN history.
The result extended DR Congo’s winless run in the competition to five matches, leaving them with work to do in their remaining Group A fixtures.
Next up, Kenya face Angola on Thursday, while DR Congo look to bounce back against Morocco.