Kenya continues perfect start for co-hosts at CHAN with narrow win over DR Congo

Austin Odhiambo was the hero on Sunday for 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosts Kenya as the Harambee Stars held off a wasteful DR Congo side for a 1-0 victory at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

Odhiambo weaved past a defender before slotting his finish home to give Kenya the lead in first half stoppage time for the only goal of the match. The Congolese lacked composure at the final step throughout the match and the co-hosts managed the second half well to maintain their lead and begin Group A action with all three points.

The early signs were not positive for Kenya, who had to hold off a dominant start from the Leopards. In the 16th minute, Basiala Amongo’s free kick from the left wing found Jonathan Mokonzi wide open at the far post but the DRC defender somehow missed his header with the goal at his mercy.

But after surviving the early wave of Congolese attacks, Kenya settled into the game in front of a packed crowd and it was Odhiambo who provided the moment of magic. The Gor Mahia playmaker received a pass from David Sakwa on the right wing and drove into the Congolese penalty area, maneuvering past a defender to open up space to finish past goalkeeper Brunel Efonge.

There were more opportunities for the DRC in the second half but they could only manage two shots on goal from nineteen attempts. Mokonzi had a chance when a corner kick fell kindly for him but he failed to connect on the ball. Substitute Horso Mwaku then fired high and wide after seizing on a turnover by the Kenyan defense.

Kenya now turn their attention to Angola on Thursday for their second Group A game while DR Congo will look to get things on track against Zambia on the same day.