At the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya celebrated a historic 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo on Sunday in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) debut.
After a VAR review, Jephte Kitambala’s early strike in the fifth minute gave DR Congo the lead, but it was declared offside.
Encouraged by the cheers of the about 60,000-person capacity crowd, Kenya gradually came into its own.
The home crowd roared in celebration as David Sakwa skilfully curled the ball around a defender to Austin Odhiambo and blasted it into the bottom corner shortly before halftime (45+2).
HT
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) August 3, 2025
One million in the bank💵
🇰🇪 1-0 🇨🇩#HarambeeStars #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 #CHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/zEtIsPFOaR
In response, DR Congo kept up the pressure, dominated set pieces, and nearly equalised the score with headers from Kitambala and Jonathan Mokonzi in the second half. Kenya’s defence, however, remained strong.
Heltone Kayembe’s strong drive was tipped over the bar by Kenya’s custodian Byrne Omondi in the 59th minute, while defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija stopped multiple late Congolese corners.
In order to keep Kenya’s slim lead in the final seven minutes of extra time, head coach Benni McCarthy also made tactical adjustments, substituting players like Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire.
Kenya’s historic success makes them the third debutant nation to win their maiden CHAN match and provides them a crucial three points in Group A. In the meantime, DR Congo’s losing streak continues with their fifth loss.
