Table of Contents
- Kenya vs DR Congo opening match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN24) gave Kenyans a ray of hope
- The Sunday match played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium gave Kenya its first CHAN victory in Group A
- Fans had divided hopes about the Stars winning this match judging by its past performance
Kenya vs DR Congo opening match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN24) gave Kenyans a ray of hope with their national football team, Harambee Stars.
The Sunday match played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium gave Kenya its first CHAN victory in Group A.
Fans had divided hopes about the Stars winning this match, judging by the team’s past performance.
However, the day turned out to be a success for the Stars following their 1-0 victory over The Leopards (Les Leopards).
How Kenya Vs DR Congo Went Down
With a 1-0 lead at the end of the match, Kenya pulled a big football show in Kasarani by humiliating two-time champions DR Congo.
Energy levels among players were on a high. The end result in the Kenya vs DR Congo match was a 1-0 victory for Harambee Stars.
Harambee Stars fans at the Kasarani Stadium where Kenya won 1-0 against DR Congo in their CHAN24 opening match. Photo/Harambee Stars
Kenya’s Austin Odhiambo scored in the first-half stoppage time (45+2′). He dribbled the ball through Kalonji and then placed a right-footed shot at bottom left corner straight into The Leopards’ net.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy deployed superb on-field tactical skills, with Manzur Suleiman’s positioning as a midfielder hailed as a masterstroke move.
Suleiman proved to be a headache for DR Congo throughout the match as he held the midfield sturdy despite being a left-back.
Together with Omija and Owino, Suleiman powerful attacks on The Leopards gave them no breather.
Nevertheless, DR Congo began brilliantly scoring in the fifth minute, but VAR cancelled the goal based on a foul.
The Leopards’ controlled the ball possession and most attacks in the second half but Stars goalkeeper, Byrne Omondi denied them victory.
McCarthy Hailed
A 3-3 draw in Harambee Stars vs Gambia match on Thursday, March 20 marks very critical steps for Kenyan Football and coach Benni McCarthy. Photo/iDsiski Times
McCarthy was showered with praises following his victory in the Kenya vs DR Congo CHAN 2024 opening match.
His leadership and decisiveness were felt throughout the entire match. He said that fans motivated his squad to do their best, and it paid off.
The coach showered praised Suleiman for holding the midfield so steady despite playing as a left-back in his other matches.
McCarthy said that was torn between having Suleiman play as a left-back or a midfielder. However, he watched him in a couple of matches, and he discovered that he could have him play as a midfielder.
According to the coach, Suleiman brought a dose of energy, courage and youthfulness in the midfield, which challenged his opponents.
Kenyans Reaction
Harambee Stars fans at the Kasarani Stadium where Kenya won 1-0 against DR Congo in their CHAN24 opening match. Photo/Harambee Stars
President William Ruto led Kenyans in celebrating their win in the Kenya vs DR Congo match.
“We salute Harambee Stars for an outstanding and entertaining display of talent. Your victory today against the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the beginning of what promises to be a historic chapter in Kenyan football.
Thank you, Austin Odhiambo, for sealing the win. We are living up to the rallying cry Stars Must Win. We are behind you all the way,” he posted on X.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) boss Hussein Mohammed thanked Kenyans for turning up in large numbers to support their home team.
“Thank you Kenyans and all the football fans, from Nairobi and beyond united in red, green and white. Your support was the heartbeat of Harambee stars victory. Kasarani was alive because of you. Let’s do this again on Thursday – bigger, louder, stronger!”
