Co-hosts Kenya beat two-time champions DR Congo 1-0 to begin their 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a big win on Sunday afternoon, www.aclsports.com reports.
Kenya, who are competing in the tournament for the first time, had to work hard in the game to keep the former Champions at bay, before Austine Odhiambo popped up with the game’s only goal in first-half stoppage time at the iconic Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
The Harambee Stars had the support of their home fans, including President William Ruto, in the stands for the crucial game against a seasoned campaigner in DR Congo. Just five minutes in, Jephté Kitambala (Congo DR) thought he had given his side the lead, but the goal was chalked off after a VAR check.
It was all Congo in the opening half of the game, but the Kenyans grew into it and were able to create a few chances of their own through David Sakwa and Alpha Onyango. However, just as the first half seemed destined to end goalless, Austine Odhiambo capped off a well-worked move from Benni McCarthy’s side with a goal in the second minute of stoppage time.
After the break, Kenya were more determined to keep the ball and prevent Congo from getting back into the encounter. DR Congo, who had failed to score in the 2022 edition and were determined to rewrite the script under Otis Ngoma, pushed for an equaliser.
Kenya goalkeeper Byrne Omondi produced a vital stop in the 59th minute, acrobatically tipping Heltone Kayembe’s fierce strike over the crossbar, as defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija stood firm to withstand a late wave of Congolese corner kicks. However, Kenya held on in the final moments to secure their maiden win in the tournament’s history.
Meanwhile, DR Congo’s loss stretches their winless streak in the tournament to five games, putting them under pressure ahead of their remaining Group A encounters.
Kenya will take on Angola next on Thursday, while DR Congo aim to bounce back when they face former champions Morocco in a heavyweight clash.
