Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani – August 3, 2025
Kenya’s Harambee Stars announced their arrival on the African Nations Championship (CHAN) stage with a stunning 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo, as Austin Odhiambo’s brilliant strike in first-half stoppage time lit up the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
Playing their first-ever CHAN match, Harambee Stars rose to the occasion in front of a passionate home crowd that began queuing as early as 7am, braving cold Nairobi weather for the 3pm kickoff. The significance of the occasion was amplified by the attendance of President William Ruto, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, and Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed, among other dignitaries seated in the VVIP section.
The game started at a frenetic pace. DR Congo thought they had scored inside five minutes, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul after VAR review. Kenya responded with attacking intent, Sakwa and Ogam testing the Congolese defense, while goalkeeper Byron Omondi was called into action several times to keep out efforts from Agee Basiala and Lise.
Both sides showed physicality and urgency, with several yellow cards dished out in a heated first half. But it was Kenya who delivered the decisive blow in the 45+1st minute. Austin Odhiambo collected the ball near the edge of the box, danced past a defender and curled a sensational left-footed shot beyond Brudel to send the stadium into wild celebrations. The strike had dignitaries, fans, and teammates alike on their feet in ecstasy.
In the second half, DR Congo came out pushing hard for an equalizer, forcing Omondi into more saves. Kenya made key substitutions, bringing in Marvin Nabwire, Boniface Muchiri, Stanley Omondi, Mike Kibwage, and Chrispine Erambo to help weather the storm.
Kenya had a golden chance to kill off the game in the 80th minute when Ben Stanley found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, only to miss the target, drawing groans and frustration from the crowd.
Still, the Stars held on through a tense seven minutes of stoppage time to secure a famous win against one of CHAN’s most decorated sides. At full-time, President Ruto personally visited the dressing room to congratulate the players and reaffirm his earlier promise of a Ksh. 1 million reward per win, a pledge the team now looks set to collect.
