Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo celebrates after scoring the winning goal against DR Congo in the CHAN opener at Kasarani Stadium on August 3, 2025./HANDOUT
Harambee Stars delivered a stunning performance during their debut African Nations Championship (CHAN) after securing a 1-0 win against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The match, held at a packed Moi Kasarani Stadium, saw Kenya grab all three points thanks to a first-half goal from midfielder Austin Odhiambo.
Odhiambo’s first-half strike proved decisive in the Group A opener that saw the hosts overcome a nervy start and assert their place in the continental stage in front of an electric home crowd.
Kenya next faces Angola on Thursday, while DR Congo will seek redemption against Morocco.
Despite DR Congo dominating early possession, the hosts remained disciplined and grew into the game.
The breakthrough came just before the break when Odhiambo latched onto a pass from David Sakwa in the 45+2 minute, coolly guiding a left-footed shot into the bottom corner beyond Brudel Efonge.
DR Congo, dominated set pieces and came close through headers from Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala, but Kenya’s defence held firm.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi made a crucial save in the 59th minute, tipping Heltone Kayembe’s powerful drive over the bar, while defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija repelled a late barrage of Congolese corners.
Kenya’s head coach Benni McCarthy made a series of tactical substitutions to shore up the midfield and protect the lead, introducing the likes of Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire to steady the team in the final 15 minutes.
The TotalEnergies CHAN is a biennial tournament exclusively reserved for players who compete in their country’s domestic leagues, offering a platform for emerging local talents to shine—and Kenya’s new generation did not disappoint.
