DR Congo’s Otis N’Goma blames CHAN defeat to Kenya on fatigue, lacking concentration

DR Congo head coach Otis N’Goma has squarely blamed the team’s TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 1-0 opening defeat against hosts Kenya to fatigue and lack of concentration.

The Leopards, two-time champions of CHAN, kicked off their Group A campaign on the back foot, after a 45th minute goal courtesy of midfielder Austin Odhiambo proved the difference at a sold-out Kasarani Stadium.

“We have players who are lacking in competition. Today we lost a lot of balls, missed goal opportunities—perhaps due to fatigue, inattention, lack of concentration, but also other details,” Ngoma said at the post-match press conference.

He added: “The pre-competition training camp wasn’t what it should have been. The early end of our championship meant the players hadn’t played enough. This is what hurt us tonight.”

DR Congo’s next assignment will be against Zambia on Thursday, August 7.