Kenya vs DR Congo: Team News, Preview, Where to Watch Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 Game
- Harambee Stars will take on DRC in a highly anticipated game on Sunday, August 3, to kickstart their CHAN 2024 journey
- Much is expected of Benni McCarthy's side, given that they will be one of the co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania
- TUKO.co.ke has done a preview of the match, team news, players to watch and how to watch the crucial contest in Nairobi
Kenya's men's national football team, Harambee Stars, will finally open their African Nations Championships (CHAN) campaign on Sunday afternoon.
Source: Twitter
The team will face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a game that will set the tempo for the rest of the tournament.
Kenya vs DRC preview
All the pressure will be on Harambee Stars, who are one of the co-hosts of the competition.
Despite an expected raucous, bouncing stadium behind them, their task won't be easy—they're up against a side that has won this tournament twice, tied for the most titles with one other country.
When and where is Kenya vs DRC CHAN 2024 match?
The game will be held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, along Thika Road, Nairobi.
Kick off is slated for 3 pm EAT.
Kenya vs DRC team news
Kenya
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has remained buoyant and confident despite a rocky buildup to the tournament.
The South African tactician has seen three of the players he relied on withdraw from the squad. Mohamed Bajaber, Emmanuel Osoro and Moses Shummah were expected to play an integral role in the tournament but left camp after securing a move outside Kenya.
Apart from player withdrawals, Kenya has also not played any meaningful competitive games to gauge their preparedness.
They were supposed to play in the CECAFA Four Nations in Tanzania, but pulled out, citing 'prevailing conditions'.
Source: Original
Masoud Juma and Aboud Omar will be relied on for experience, while last season's MVP, Austine Odhiambo, is expected to pull the creative strings. After a breakthrough season at Shabana, Brian Michira is also one to watch after earning a late call-up to the team.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, McCarthy called on his players to seize the moment.
"The mood in the camp has been great. This tournament is so important as it can open opportunities for players to move to other leagues. You never know who is watching. I hope the boys can make the country proud on Sunday."
DRC
His DRC counterpart, Otis Ngoma, meanwhile, stated that his team would be ready to cope with the pressure of facing the host nation, despite not having adequate preparations.
Ngoma also accused some unnamed Kenyans of sending people to spy on their training session on Friday.
"Kenya sent spies to scout our training and preparations, and that is not fair," he said via a translator.
The Leopards have advanced from the group stage five times, and therefore, this won't be new to them. Of their six previous appearances in CHAN, they have won their opening game four times, drawn once and lost once.
Oscar Kabwit is expected to be the main dangerman for Ngoma's side. The TP Mazembe forward can play as a number nine or cut in from the wing.
Where to watch Kenya vs DRC game
The game will be beamed on multiple platforms, including KBC Channel One, Azam, Supersport, BeIN and Canal Sport.
Kenya vs DRC H2H
The two teams have met five times since 2010, but their most recent meeting was in 2019 in an international friendly, which ended in a one-all draw.
The other friendly games were in 2017 and 2016, which Kenya won 2-1 and 1-0, respectively. Coincidentally, Michael Olunga scored in all three games.
Harambee Stars confirmed lineups
Bryne Omondi started in goal ahead of Farouk Shikhalo. Omar will lead the back of the line alongside Daniel Sakari and Gor Mahia duo, Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija.
Suleiman Manzur, Daniel Sakwa and Alpha Chris will be in midfield while Austine Onyango, Masoud Juma and Ryan Ogam will be relied on upfront.
Read also
CHAN 2024: Isaac Mwaura, Karen Nyamu blocked from presidential entrance at Kasarani Stadium
Kenya vs DRC predictions
Harambee Stars will be up against it, but backed by a bouncing home support, they might dig in for a decent result.
McCarthy will also be aware of DRC's recent dwindling fortunes. They are winless in their last four games at CHAN, and Kenya would be hopeful they can keep that streak going.
Kenya 2 DRC 1
CAF provides CHAN 2024 security update
At the same time, CAF head of Safety and Security, Christian Emeruwa, assured fans that adequate security measures had been put in place ahead of CHAN 2024.
Emeruwa admitted that they had been monitoring the deadly wave of anti-government protests witnessed in the country.
Road blocks will be erected almost a kilometre away from the main stadiums to create a buffer.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
