Kenya kicked off their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign in style on Sunday with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in a tense Group A encounter at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The breakthrough came courtesy of a composed finish from Austine Odhiambo, whose moment of brilliance in the dying moments of the first half proved decisive for the Harambee Stars. The Gor Mahia playmaker, known for his technical prowess and spatial awareness, latched onto a loose ball just outside the area and struck a low drive into the bottom right corner, leaving DR Congo’s goalkeeper Brudel Efonge rooted to the spot.
It was a crucial goal not only for the result but also for momentum in what promises to be a tightly contested group. Odhiambo’s strike came in the second minute of added time in the first half, silencing a Congolese side that had shown flashes of danger on the counter and were tactically resolute for most of the opening period.
The win gives Kenya a crucial edge in Group A, which also includes Angola, Morocco, Zambia and DRC. With the pressure of the opening game behind them, the Harambee Stars now shift their focus to the next group match, hoping to build on the confidence gained from a clean sheet and a solid overall performance. Kenya will return to action on Thursday against Angola.
