Kenya’s Harambee Stars made a strong start to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) by beating DR Congo 1-0 in their opening Group A match at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday, August 3, 2025.
The winning goal came in the 45th minute when midfielder Austine Odhiambo of Gor Mahia scored just before halftime. Odhiambo skillfully navigated through DR Congo’s defense to finish a well-timed assist from striker David Sakwa.
This victory is Kenya’s third in eight meetings against DR Congo, having previously lost four times and drawn once. More importantly, it gives Harambee Stars a major confidence boost as they return to CHAN for the first time since the tournament began in 2009.
The team is now under the guidance of South African coach Benni McCarthy. After this win, Kenya will face Angola on August 7, Morocco on August 10, and wrap up the group stage against Zambia on August 17.
For DR Congo, the result continues a worrying trend of underperformance at recent CHAN tournaments. Once dominant in the competition, DR Congo won CHAN titles in 2009 and 2016. However, their form has since declined sharply.
In the 2022 edition held in Algeria, DR Congo failed to score a single goal and exited the tournament at the group stage. They finished bottom of their group with just two points, conceding three goals and failing to register a win. That group was topped by Senegal, who eventually won their first CHAN title by beating Algeria 5-4 on penalties in the final after a goalless draw.
CHAN is a biennial tournament that features only players who play in their country’s domestic leagues. It was first held in 2009 in Ivory Coast, with DR Congo winning the title by defeating Ghana 2-0 in the final.
They repeated their success in 2016, beating Mali 3-0 in Rwanda. Meschak Elia scored twice in that final and was later named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Elia now plays for Swiss club BSC Young Boys.
With this opening win, Kenya’s Harambee Stars have put themselves in a strong position in Group A and will be hoping to build on the momentum in the coming matches.
Ask ChatGPT
Sports
Teenager Ngumoha Scores Historic 100th-Minute Winner for Liverpool
Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha made Premier League history with a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Liverpool beat Newcastle United 3-2 at St.
Injury Forces Omanyala Out of Diamond League Finals in Zurich
Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala has confirmed he will not compete in the 2025 Diamond League finals in Zurich, Switzerland, due to injury.
AC Milan Ends Victor Boniface Transfer After Medical Failure
AC Milan has cancelled its planned move for Nigerian striker Victor Boniface after the player reportedly failed medical tests.
Tanzania Denies Claims Kenyans Bought All Tickets for Morocco Match
Tanzania has dismissed claims that Kenyan fans purchased all tickets for the CHAN 2024 quarter-final against Morocco, assuring supporters that there are plenty of seats available at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Serena Williams Speaks Out on Body Positivity and Weight-Loss Talk
Serena Williams has spoken about body image, weight-loss discussions, and the importance of raising her daughters with confidence in themselves at any size.
Police Warn of Traffic Snarls on Thika Road Ahead of CHAN Clash
Motorists using the Thika Superhighway on Friday, August 22, should brace for heavy traffic disruptions as police set up roadblocks ahead of the Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 quarter-final against Madagascar at Kasarani Stadium.
Arsenal Edge Manchester United in Old Trafford Opener
Arsenal kicked off their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, securing an important away victory to begin the season.
Kenya and Morocco Secure CHAN Quarter-Final Spots
Kenya reached the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals on their debut after a tense 1-0 win over Zambia in Nairobi.
FIFA Chief Condemns Racist Abuse of Bournemouth’s Semenyo
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has condemned the racist abuse suffered by AFC Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo during their Premier League opener against Liverpool at Anfield.
Carragher Rips into Liverpool’s Defence Despite 4-2 Bournemouth Win
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has strongly criticised the Reds’ defensive display despite their 4-2 win over Bournemouth.
Super Falcons Yet to Receive Tinubu’s $100,000 WAFCON Reward
Captain of Nigeria’s women’s national football team, Rasheedat Ajibade, says the Super Falcons have not received the $100,000 cash gift promised by President Bola Tinubu after their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Morocco.
Six Nairobi Fan Zones Set for Kenya-Zambia CHAN Clash
Football fans in Nairobi who could not secure tickets for Sunday’s Kenya vs Zambia CHAN 2024 match will still have the chance to watch the action together at six designated fan zones across the city.
Enrique Calls PSG’s Super Cup Win Over Spurs a ‘Miracle’
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has described his team’s dramatic UEFA Super Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur as nothing short of a “miracle.” The French champions triumphed 4-3 on penalties in Italy on Wednesday after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regular time.
Two Japanese Boxers Die After Suffering Brain Injuries in Tokyo
Two Japanese professional boxers have died from brain injuries sustained during separate bouts on the same fight card in Tokyo.
Palace Edge Liverpool on Penalties to Claim First Community Shield
Crystal Palace twice came from behind to force a 2-2 draw before beating Liverpool 3-2 on penalties to win their first-ever Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.