By 
Harambee Stars began their TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 journey with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo at a packed Kasarani Stadium, powered by a moment of brilliance from midfielder Austine Odhiambo in first-half stoppage time.
The Congolese side started brightly, controlling possession and even having a goal ruled out for offside within the opening 15 minutes. Kenya gradually settled, with captain Abud Omar nearly finding the opener from a well-taken free-kick just outside the box.
In the 26th minute, Masud Juma was denied a golden opportunity to put the hosts ahead after latching onto Omar’s incisive pass. DR Congo goalkeeper Brudel Efonge reacted swiftly to parry Juma’s low strike.
Kenya finally broke the deadlock deep into added time at the end of the first half. Odhiambo weaved his way past two defenders before calmly slotting past the advancing Efonge, sending the home crowd into jubilation and giving Harambee Stars a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half was more evenly contested, with both sides making tactical changes. Kenya brought on Boniface Muchiri and Marvin Nabwire in the 66th minute, followed by a triple substitution in the 77th minute that saw Chris Erambo, Mike Kibwage, and Ben Stanley join the fray.
DR Congo came agonizingly close to equalizing in the 75th minute when substitute Horso Muaku found himself through on goal but fired wide with only goalkeeper Byrne Omondi to beat.
Despite seven minutes of added time and intense pressure from the visitors, Kenya’s defence stood tall to secure all three points. Alpha Onyango’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
With victory secured in their opening Group C encounter, Harambee Stars now turn their attention to a crucial Thursday evening clash against Angola.
