Kenya kicked off their CHAN 2025 campaign with a thrilling 1-0 victory over DR Congo in the opening match held this evening at Kasarani Stadium. The win marks a historic moment for the Harambee Stars, who are making their debut in the final stage of the African Nations Championship, a tournament exclusively featuring players from domestic leagues.
The decisive moment came in first-half stoppage time, when Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo found the back of the net in the 45+2 minute. His left-footed strike, delivered with precision and composure, sent the packed stadium into a frenzy and gave Kenya the lead heading into halftime. DR Congo had earlier threatened with a disallowed goal in the 5th minute, but Kenya’s defense remained resolute throughout the match.
President William Ruto, who was in attendance at Kasarani, fulfilled his pre-match pledge to reward each Harambee Stars player with KSh 1 million for every win in the tournament. Following the final whistle, Ruto congratulated the team and confirmed that the players would receive their promised reward, saying, “This is a new era for Kenyan football. We believe in our players, and we’ll support them every step of the way.”
Kenya’s defensive unit, led by Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija, held firm against a late surge from DR Congo. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi made several key saves to preserve the lead, while tactical substitutions by coach Benni McCarthy helped stabilize the midfield and close out the match. The team’s discipline and determination were evident as they protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
With this victory, Kenya now turns its attention to the next Group A fixture against Angola, scheduled for Thursday. The win not only boosts morale but also sets the tone for a promising campaign, backed by strong leadership and national support. As the Harambee Stars continue their journey in CHAN 2025, tonight’s performance stands as a powerful statement of intent and a proud moment for Kenyan football.
