Kenya Stun DRC in Historic CHAN Debut

Kenya marked their long-awaited debut at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a commanding 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo, in front of a thunderous full house at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday.

A first-half goal by Austin Odhiambo proved the difference in a fiercely contested Group A clash, as the home side showed resilience, tactical discipline, and flashes of brilliance to overcome a nervy start and secure a win that will live long in the memory of Kenyan football fans.

The CHAN tournament, played every two years, features only players plying their trade in their respective national leagues, making it a true showcase of domestic talent. On Sunday, Kenya’s homegrown stars delivered.

The match began with a scare for the hosts. In just the fifth minute, Jephté Kitambala thought he had given DR Congo the lead, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside.

Rattled but not broken, Kenya gradually found their rhythm, drawing energy from the 48,000-strong home crowd. Though DR Congo dominated early possession, Kenya’s defensive organisation held, and their confidence grew with each passing minute.

The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time. A clever pass from David Sakwa found Odhiambo just inside the box, and the Gor Mahia midfielder made no mistake, driving a left-footed shot low into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Brudel Efonge.

The goal sent Kasarani into raptures. For Kenya, debutants at the CHAN finals, it was a statement. They had taken the lead against one of Africa’s most successful CHAN teams.

DR Congo, desperate to end a five-match winless run in the competition, came out firing in the second half. They launched wave after wave of attack, threatening from corners and long balls.

Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala both came close with headers, but Kenya’s backline stood firm. Keeper Byrne Omondi made a crucial save in the 59th minute, tipping a thunderous shot from Heltone Kayembe over the bar.

Defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija were immense, throwing bodies on the line as DR Congo pressed.

Kenya’s head coach Benni McCarthy, overseeing his first major tournament with the Harambee Stars, introduced Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire to tighten the midfield and see out the result.

Seven minutes of stoppage time made for tense viewing, but the home side held on to record a famous first-ever CHAN win, becoming only the third debutant nation in tournament history to win their opening match.

Kenya will face Angola on Thursday, hoping to build on this momentum and edge closer to the knockout stage. For DR Congo, it’s back to the drawing board ahead of their must-win clash with Morocco.