Kenya edged past DR Congo 1-0 in a tightly contested CHAN 2024 opener at Nyayo National Stadium, igniting their campaign with a crucial Group B victory.
The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when Austin Odhiambo unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box, sending the 32,000-strong home crowd into celebration. The goal proved enough to hand the Harambee Stars all three points.
While Odhiambo scored the winner, it was Alpha Onyango who dominated the midfield. The Gor Mahia playmaker controlled the tempo, broke up Congolese attacks, and linked up play with confidence. His commanding performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade and thunderous applause from the fans.
DR Congo, two-time CHAN champions, pressed hard in the final minutes. However, Kenya’s defence held firm, with the goalkeeper making critical saves to secure the clean sheet.
The win gives Kenya a vital boost in Group B, which also features Zambia and Libya. DR Congo, meanwhile, face mounting pressure to win their next fixture to stay in contention.