Kenya Shine on CHAN Debut with Historic Win Over DR Congo

Kenya announced their arrival on the continental football scene in spectacular fashion with a 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo in their first-ever appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals. The Group A opener, played before a raucous crowd of 60,000 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, marked a historic moment in Kenyan football and a dream debut for the hosts.

Midfielder Austin Odhiambo emerged as the hero of the evening, scoring a crucial goal in first-half stoppage time (45+2’) that ultimately decided the match. His composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner, after a well-threaded assist from David Sakwa, sent the home crowd into euphoria and capped off a gritty and determined performance by the Harambee Stars’ CHAN squad.

Odhiambo’s goal symbolized not just the breakthrough in the match, but a broader coming-of-age for Kenyan domestic football. Competing against a continental powerhouse like DR Congo—winners of the tournament in 2009 and 2016—Kenya proved they belong among Africa’s elite.

The match began with high drama as DR Congo thought they had taken the lead in the 5th minute when Jephté Kitambala found the back of the net. However, the goal was disallowed following a VAR review, which judged Kitambala to be offside in the buildup.

That decision galvanized the Kenyan side, who had appeared jittery in the opening minutes. DR Congo dominated early possession, but failed to capitalize, allowing Kenya to grow into the contest with confidence and tactical organization.

By the half-hour mark, Kenya’s defensive line—anchored by Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija—had weathered the Congolese storm and began asserting themselves through counter-attacks and long balls over the top.

The second half saw DR Congo intensify their search for an equalizer, but Kenya's defence was impenetrable. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi produced a man-of-the-match performance, highlighted by a brilliant fingertip save in the 59th minute to deny a thunderous strike from Heltone Kayembe.

Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala both threatened from set-pieces, but the Congolese could not find a way past the disciplined Kenyan backline. Coach Benni McCarthy, appointed to lead Kenya’s local-based national team earlier this year, made timely substitutions to reinforce the midfield and absorb pressure. The introduction of Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire helped seal off central channels and preserve the slender lead.

Seven minutes of stoppage time tested Kenya’s resolve, but the hosts stood firm to record a famous win. With this result, Kenya became only the third debutant nation to win their opening match in CHAN history—following in the footsteps of Libya in 2009 and Madagascar in 2020.

The victory also puts Kenya in a strong position in Group A, which features three former champions—Morocco, DR Congo, and Angola. The next challenge for the Harambee Stars will be against Angola on Thursday, a match that could potentially secure them a spot in the knockout stage if they maintain momentum.

For DR Congo, the loss extends their winless streak in CHAN to five matches, raising questions about the effectiveness of their tactical approach under coach Otis Ngoma. Despite boasting a technically superior squad, their lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly.

The Leopards will now face Morocco in their next fixture—another stern test that could determine their survival in the tournament.

Final Score: Kenya 1 – 0 DR Congo

Goal: Austin Odhiambo (45+2’)

Group A Standings (After Matchday 1):

Morocco – 3 pts (+2 GD)

Kenya – 3 pts (+1 GD) 

DR Congo – 0 pts (–1 GD)

Angola - 0 pts (-2 GD)

Kenya vs Angola – Thursday, August 7, 2025

Morocco vs DR Congo – Thursday, August 7, 2025

Kenya's victory is more than just three points—it is a declaration of intent, a triumph of local talent, and a reminder that the future of African football belongs to those who dare to dream big.