Why two-time champions DR Congo crumbled against CHAN debutants Harambee Stars
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 04.08.25. | 08:13
With a must-win clash against Zambia now on the horizon, Ngoma and his side are already facing the threat of early elimination.
DR Congo head coach Otis Ngoma attributed his team’s 1-0 loss to Kenya in their opening match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 to poor preparation and a lack of match fitness.
The two-time CHAN champions came into Sunday’s Group A encounter with high expectations, only to suffer a loss at the hands of the debutants.
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Despite enjoying long spells of possession and playing with urgency, they were unable to break down a well-organized Kenyan defense.
The match’s defining moment came in the first half when Austin Odhiambo found the back of the net for Kenya.
His composed finish proved decisive, handing Harambee Stars all three points and putting DR Congo under early pressure in the group.
With a must-win clash against Zambia now on the horizon, Ngoma and his side are already facing the threat of early elimination.
Ngoma did not mince his words. His squad, he admitted, was unprepared, not mentally, but physically and tactically.
“Our domestic league ended too early, and most of our players have not had competitive action for weeks,” Ngoma said in his post-match comments.
“We lacked rhythm. The legs were heavy, and in crucial moments, we lost concentration.”
With just over two weeks of preparation, Ngoma said the squad did not have enough time to build chemistry or sharpen their tactical execution.
“The pre-tournament camp was not enough. For a competition of this magnitude, we needed more time to prepare. Unfortunately, we did not get it, and it showed,” he added.
Despite signs of improvement in the second half, the Leopards’ lack of cutting edge in the final third was evident. Kenya defended with composure and discipline, keeping DR Congo at bay and frustrating their attacking efforts.
“There were stretches when our ball movement looked good. But in the final third, we lacked aggression, urgency, and precision," he added.
Still, Ngoma remains hopeful. With three group matches still ahead, the DR Congo coach is confident his side can recover.
“Nothing is lost yet. There are still six points to play for. What matters now is how we respond,” he said.
That response will need to be immediate. DR Congo face Zambia on Thursday, 7 August, in what is already being viewed as a defining fixture. Anything short of a win could leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
“We need a reaction. We must win,” Ngoma said firmly. “Another defeat, and we’re almost out.”
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