Kenya’s Harambee Stars are gearing up for a defining moment as they prepare to launch their 2025 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a high-stakes opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The match, scheduled for Sunday, August 3, will be held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi.
This edition of CHAN, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, promises a thrilling month of football, bringing together some of the continent’s most competitive national teams composed exclusively of home-based players. The opening match of the tournament will take place on Saturday, August 2, in Dar es Salaam, where Tanzania will face Burkina Faso.
For Harambee Stars, the clash with DR Congo is a major early test. The Congolese come into the tournament as two-time CHAN champions, having lifted the title in 2009 and 2016. Their pedigree and tournament experience make them formidable opponents and a real litmus test for Kenya’s ambitions on home soil.
Head coach Benni McCarthy, who was recently appointed to steer the Harambee Stars, faces the dual challenge of building a cohesive squad from local talent and delivering results under the intense spotlight of home fans. With Kenya hosting CHAN matches for the first time, the pressure is on the team to rise to the occasion and capitalize on home advantage.
The opening day in Nairobi will also feature another marquee fixture, as Nyayo National Stadium hosts Morocco against Angola. Morocco, champions in 2018 and 2020, are another team expected to go deep into the tournament.
Meanwhile, co-host Uganda begins their campaign on Monday, August 4, with a doubleheader at Mandela Stadium in Kampala, facing off against Algeria after Niger plays Guinea.
The tournament’s climax is scheduled for Friday, August 29, with the third-place playoff in Kampala, and the final will take place the following day, Saturday, August 30, at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
As the countdown to kick-off begins, Kenyan fans are filled with cautious optimism. With the eyes of the continent on them, Harambee Stars have the opportunity to inspire a nation and make a bold statement in African football. A win against a CHAN powerhouse like DR Congo would not only boost morale but also set the tone for a potentially historic campaign.
