Ngoma reveals why DR Congo will not underrate Kenya for CHAN opener

DR Congo head coach Otis N’Goma has remained cautious heading into their opening fixture of the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) against hosts Kenya at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

The Group A opener will see Harambee Stars make their first appearance in the tournament, while the Leopards have managed seven appearances in CHAN (2009, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022, 2024).

“We know it will not be an easy opener against Kenya, they have quality players from what I have gathered, they have a renowned coach in Benni McCarthy, he is a coach, who understands what it means to win trophies, and he won trophies as a player, so we won’t take the game lightly,” N’Goma told Flashscore.

“Opening games are always tricky in any competition, it is a game that helps set the tone for the next fixture, so a positive result is always good, and looking at my players and the kind of training we have undergone in Tanzania, I have a strong belief that we have what it takes to start off with a win and set our sight on qualifying from the group.”

A two-time champion, the Leopards demonstrated their resilience during the qualification campaign. After being held to a 1-1 draw by Chad in the first leg, they turned the tables with a convincing 3-1 home victory to secure their spot in the tournament.