CHAN 2024: Austin Odhiambo delivers debut victory for Harambee Stars and Ksh25 million bonus
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 03.08.25. | 17:23
Austin Odhiambo's decisive strike at the stroke of halftime proved enough to seal the historic win
Harambee Stars marked their African Nations Championship (CHAN) debut in emphatic fashion following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the tournament's joint-record champions DR Congo on Sunday, 3 August, at Kasarani Stadium.
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Austin Odhiambo's decisive strike at the stroke of halftime proved enough to seal the historic win, handing Kenya their first three points of the tournament and coach Benni McCarthy his maiden competitive victory since taking charge in March.
With the win, all the 25 Harambee Stars players are set to receive a Ksh1 million bonus from President William Ruto following his promise made on Saturday, 2 August.
Despite a nervy start to the Group A encounter, Harambee Stars showed grit to overcome a spirited DR Congo side widely tipped as one of the tournament's favourites.
The Leopards appeared to have taken an early lead in the fifth minute when forward Jepthe Kitambala capitalised on a fall from captain Aboud Omar and slotted past goalkeeper Bryne Omondi.
However, South African referee Jelly Alfred Chavani ruled out the goal following a VAR review, citing a foul on Omar in the build-up.
Kenya gradually settled into the match, with Masud Juma nearly breaking the deadlock on the half-hour mark after latching onto a cross from Austin. However, his low effort was parried back into play by Congo custodian Brudel Efonge.
Congo responded swiftly, with Kaluo Makonzi missing a clear chance to put his side ahead, failing to convert into an open net after a miscalculated advance from goalkeeper Omondi.
At the other end, David Sakwa came close for Kenya, chesting down Odhiambo’s lofted pass before unleashing a powerful shot that whizzed narrowly wide.
The breakthrough finally came moments before the interval. Gor Mahia captain Austin Odhiambo, who was instrumental throughout the half, picked up a pass from Sakwa, beat his marker with finesse, and slotted a low shot past Efonge to give Kenya a deserved 1-0 lead at halftime.
DR Congo made immediate changes after the restart, introducing Helton Kayembe and Josue Kazema to add attacking impetus.
The substitutions nearly paid off when Kazema's shot was thwarted by a timely tackle from Manzur Suleiman. Kayembe also threatened from distance with a 25-yard strike, but Omondi stood firm between the posts.
Congo continued to press, and from a corner in the 62nd minute, Kayembe once again came close, only to be denied by Omondi's quick reaction after a failed clearance from Alphonce Omija.
Coach McCarthy responded by reshuffling his pack, bringing on Marvin Nabwire and Boniface Muchiri in the 67th minute for the injured Suleiman and Masud. The changes brought renewed composure to the Kenyan midfield, blunting Congo’s early second-half momentum.
Still, the Leopards pushed forward. In the 75th minute, substitute Horso Mwaku fired over the bar from close range after Sylvester Owino’s clearance fell kindly in front of the striker.
Sensing the need for fresh legs in attack, McCarthy introduced Chris Erambo, Ben Stanley, and Michael Kibwage with 10 minutes to play. The move nearly paid off in the 82nd minute when Stanley made a surging solo run off Odhiambo’s lofted ball, but his final effort sailed just wide with the offside flag saving his blushes.
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In a tense finale, Congo threw numbers forward in search of an equaliser during seven minutes of added time, but Kenya's defense remained resolute. Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi produced two crucial saves to preserve the slender lead, capping off a stellar individual performance.
The result not only secured Harambee Stars their first-ever CHAN win but also positioned them strongly in Group A, with the victory being the tournament's second after fellow hosts Tanzania defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in the tournament opener.
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