Harambee Stars kicked off their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign in electrifying fashion, securing a 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo at a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday, August 3. The lone goal came in first-half stoppage time when Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo dribbled past two defenders and fired a clinical left-footed finish into the bottom corner in the 45+2nd minute, igniting wild celebrations in the stands.
The win, which marked Kenya’s first-ever CHAN victory, was a significant morale boost for the national side, coming just days after President William Ruto pledged a performance-based reward system. Each player and technical team member is set to receive Ksh1 million for every win, Ksh500,000 for a draw, and a cumulative team reward of Ksh60 million for reaching the quarter-finals. Should the team go all the way and lift the CHAN trophy, the government will award them a staggering Ksh600 million in total bonuses.
President Ruto made the pledge during a motivational visit to the national team’s camp, encouraging the players with the now-viral quote, “Nitawapanga si mimi ndio Commander?” — reaffirming his personal support and commitment to local football development. His promise appears to have galvanized the squad, with midfielder Alpha Onyango earning the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award for his dominant performance in midfield, controlling the tempo and neutralizing DR Congo’s key threats throughout the match.
The match wasn’t short of drama, with DR Congo seeing an early goal ruled out for offside following a VAR check. The visitors also hit the woodwork in the second half, but Kenya’s defense, led by captain Johnstone Omurwa, held firm to the final whistle. The win puts Kenya top of Group A and raises hopes of progressing further in the tournament.
Harambee Stars now turn their focus to their next opponents, Angola, whom they will face on Thursday, August 7, at Kasarani, followed by group matches against Morocco on August 10 and Zambia on August 17. With each fixture now carrying both national pride and financial reward, the pressure is on—but so is the belief. For the Stars, the journey is just beginning, and the dream of conquering CHAN on home soil feels closer than ever.
