Harambee Stars kicked off their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) campaign with a vital 1-0 win over DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium, courtesy of a brilliant first-half goal from Austin Odhiambo.
The match began with intense pressure on the Kenyan side, who were looking to impress the home fans and justify high expectations. However, the team looked nervy in the early stages, struggling to maintain possession and making basic errors that allowed the visitors to dominate. DR Congo nearly capitalised on this sloppiness just five minutes in when Jephte Kitambala found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review revealed a foul on Daniel Sakari in the build-up.
Coach Benni McCarthy’s decision to start with strikers Masoud Juma and Ryan Ogam saw Ogam deployed on the right wing, a move that created problems for Kenya’s defensive structure. The Congolese targeted Sakari with relentless pressure, exposing gaps on the right flank.
Despite the shaky start, Kenya slowly grew into the game. Their first real chance came when Odhiambo played in Juma, who failed to convert from close range. David Sakwa then had a great opportunity on the edge of the box but blazed his shot over. Moments later, Sakari delivered a perfect cross that Ogam failed to connect with.
The breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage time. Sakari initiated the move from the right before a slick exchange between Juma and Odhiambo ended with the Gor Mahia midfielder calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations at Kasarani.
In the second half, DR Congo came out stronger, applying consistent pressure through Ibrahim Matobo, whose pace and movement caused major problems for the Kenyan defence. Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi had to be alert to keep out several efforts, including a dangerous corner that almost led to an equaliser.
Kenya made several tactical changes in the second half, including bringing on Boniface Muchiri, Marvin Nabwire, and Ben Stanley Omondi to stabilize midfield and add attacking options. Odhiambo nearly grabbed a second late in the game when he chipped the ball over the keeper for Omondi, only to watch it drift narrowly wide.
In the end, Kenya held on to secure all three points, starting their CHAN 2024 journey on a high.
