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
Kenya Boosts Security Ahead of CHAN Kickoff This Weekend
As the African Nations Championship (CHAN) begins this weekend, Kenya has rolled out strict security and travel measures to ensure a smooth and safe tournament for players, officials, and fans.
World Athletics to Enforce Gene Testing for Female Athletes
Starting September 1, athletes competing in the female category at global ranking events must undergo a one-time gene test.
Drew McIntyre Clears Travel Issues, Set for WWE SummerSlam
Drew McIntyre has confirmed he will make it to SummerSlam despite being stuck in the UK due to passport issues.
Olympic Biathlon Star Laura Dahlmeier Dies in Pakistan at 31
Laura Dahlmeier, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in biathlon, has died at the age of 31 following a tragic mountaineering accident in northern Pakistan.
Caitlin Clark Stalker Sentenced to 18 Months for Threats and Harassment
A 55-year-old man from Texas has been sentenced to more than 18 months in prison for stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
England Beat Spain on Penalties to Win Women’s Euro 2025
England are the champions of the Women’s Euro 2025 after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Spain in the final.
Bubba Wallace Makes History with Brickyard 400 Victory
Bubba Wallace made history on Sunday by becoming the first Black driver to win on the iconic 2.5-mile oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Arsenal Sign Viktor Gyokeres in £55m Deal to Boost Attack
Arsenal have completed the signing of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon on a five-year contract, as confirmed by the Premier League club on Saturday.
Pro Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 After Cardiac Arrest
Hulk Hogan, one of professional wrestling’s most iconic and beloved figures, has died at the age of 71.
Marcus Rashford Joins Barcelona on Loan in Surprise Move
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has officially joined Spanish champions Barcelona on a 12-month loan deal, marking a major move in the 2025 summer transfer window.
Qatar in Talks With IOC to Host Historic 2036 Olympic Games
Qatar has officially confirmed it is in discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Doha, as part of the IOC’s new dialogue-based selection process.
Diogo Jota’s Wife Shares Emotional Tribute One Month After Wedding
Rute Cardoso, the wife of late Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, has spoken publicly for the first time since his tragic death.
Faith Kipyegon Confident Kenya Will Shine at Tokyo Worlds
Faith Kipyegon says she is confident in Kenya’s athletics team ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Roman Reigns to Reunite With WWE Star After 56 Months at SummerSlam
WWE superstar Roman Reigns is expected to reunite with a key figure from his past at SummerSlam after 56 months.
Cora Jade’s Exit, TNA Injuries and Slammiversary Fallout
On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Live, hosts Bryan Alvarez and Tom Lawlor unpacked a range of developments from the world of wrestling, including the aftermath of Slammiversary, injury updates from TNA, SmackDown highlights, and the surprise news of Cora Jade stepping away from wrestling.