Harambee Stars Start CHAN 2024 Campaign With Win Over DR Congo
- Harambee Stars produced a superb performance at Kasarani to register their first win at CHAN 2024
- Austin Odhiambo scored the only goal in the game to give Benni McCarthy his second win as Harambee Stars coach
- Kenya will face Angola in their second game, aiming for a second win to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stage
Don't miss out! Join Tuko.co.ke Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Harambee Stars triumphed 1-0 over DR Congo to claim their first win at CHAN 2024, with a thrilling victory at Kasarani Stadium.
Source: Getty Images
Kenya, backed by a passionate crowd, struck late in the first half and held firm in the second to secure all three points.
How did Kenya vs DR Congo unfold?
Kenya dominated the early stages, but DR Congo thought they had taken the lead in the fourth minute through Jephte Bola. However, a VAR review disallowed the goal due to a foul in the buildup.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
In the 16th minute, DR Congo won a free kick after Matobo was fouled, but Mokonzi missed a free header.
Read also
CHAN 2024: Isaac Mwaura, Karen Nyamu blocked from presidential entrance at Kasarani Stadium
The Leopards created more chances in the first 20 minutes, while Harambee Stars struggled to find their rhythm.
Kenya had a great opportunity to open the scoring in the 28th minute, but Leopards goalkeeper Brudel Efonge made a crucial save to deny Masoud Juma's shot.
DR Congo's attack dwindled as the first half progressed, stifled by Harambee Stars' influence on the game.
In the 45th minute, Austin Odhiambo scored the opener after good work on the right from David Sakwa.
What happened in second half of Kenya vs DR Congo?
DR Congo came close to finding the equaliser at the half-hour mark, but Harambee Stars goalkeeper Bryne Omondi was quick to deny them.
Mwaku had a chance to score with a volley 15 minutes from time after a long ball, but his shot sailed over the bar.
In the final quarter, the match became scrappy, with Kenya focusing on defending their lead while DR Congo chased an equaliser. The Leopards struggled to create the same quality of chances they had in the first half.
McCarthy's team held firm to secure a historic win in the tournament and will aim to build on this success when they face Angola in three days.
Source: Getty Images
President William Ruto promised every member of Harambee Stars a KSh 1 million prize for every win at the tournament.
How did Kenyans react to Harambee Stars' win?
@Sir_Allano:
"We need to improve on how we play the 2nd half. Congratulations to the boys. Well-deserved win 👏."
@VincentOchwang2:
"Next time never forget to start or give Brian Michira minutes kitaumana."
@DavidChaditis:
"Good game but poor tactics.... Just a one nil luck...if kenya plays like THAT with a technical team ....ngori..."
Tanzania beat Burkina Faso in CHAN opener
In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that Tanzania defeated Burkina Faso to win their first CHAN 2024 game.
Taifa Stars scored in either half to secure a massive win with a superb performance in front of their fans.
They will face Mauritania in their second game in three days, hoping to claim three more points in Group B.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
