CHAN 2024 Harambee Stars vs DR Congo was a defining moment for Kenyan football, set in the electric atmosphere of a sold-out Moi International Stadium, Kasarani. The entire nation held its breath as the Harambee Stars made their debut in the African Nations Championship, pitted against two-time champions DR Congo—a side known both for its pedigree and its no-nonsense approach to continental competition.
Bold decisions and a nervous start
The story began before a ball was ever kicked, as coach Benni McCarthy unveiled a starting lineup that raised eyebrows. Notably, Manzur Suleiman Okwaro, just 20 years old and predominantly a left back or center back, was deployed in a defensive midfield role. It was a tactical gamble—one of several that would shape the game’s narrative.
Early moments betrayed the nerves expected of tournament debutants facing storied opposition. DR Congo appeared to take the lead within five minutes, only for VAR to intervene and disallow the goal for a foul on captain Aboud Omar. The jubilation and sigh of relief that swept the stadium was the first sharp emotional swing of the day, infusing both fans and players with cautious hope.
An atmosphere like no other
Kasarani was a sea of red, white, and green, with up to 48,000 Kenyan fans roaring their support and millions more glued to televisions across the country. Vendors thrived outside the stadium, while the intensity inside rippled through every seat. This was more than just sport, it was a national event—a convergence of dreams, expectations, and years of waiting for such a grand stage.
Tactical masterclass and individual brilliance
McCarthy set his team up in a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation, but on the field, spatial rotations and in-game adjustments were crucial. With DR Congo pressing high, Kenya initially struggled to advance the ball, especially down the right flank where Daniel Sakari met stern resistance from 18-year-old Congolese winger Ibrahim Matobo. Yet, Sakari’s resilience and eventual defensive support from teammates like Ryan Ogam shifted the balance, blunting Congo’s early threat.
The coach’s key innovation was pushing Austin Odhiambo—a player best described as Kenya’s own “Rolls-Royce”—higher up the pitch, trusting Okwaro and Alpha Onyango to anchor the midfield. Odhiambo, the creative heartbeat of Gor Mahia and the FKF Premier League’s reigning Most Valuable Player, delivered with composure and vision once he found his stride between opposition lines.
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The decisive moment: Odhiambo’s magic
As the first half ticked into added time, the stage was set for a breakthrough. It came through interplay on the right: Sakari powered forward, feeding David Sakwa, who in turn unlocked Odhiambo with a deft pass. Odhiambo then glided past his marker with a subtle right-left touch before finishing coolly into the bottom right corner—a move that ignited celebrations around the stadium and across the country.
The goal was more than just a point on the scoreboard. It was Kenya’s first-ever CHAN goal, rewarding the faith placed in young talent and tactical risk. It also delivered on President William Ruto’s promise of a Ksh1 million bonus for every player after a CHAN victory, a powerful motivation for many of the local-based squad.
Tactical adjustments and defensive steel
The second half saw DR Congo introduce attacking reinforcements. McCarthy responded with measured substitutions: reshuffling his side into a compact, counter-focused formation. Okwaro, whose performance in midfield neutralized Congo’s link-up play, had to leave due to injury, but replacements like Marvin Nabwire maintained discipline and shape. Byrne Omondi, in goal for Kenya, made crucial saves and dominated aerial threats. His composure under relentless late pressure earned him plaudits and the moniker “Mr. Reliable.”
Alpha Onyango, named Man of the Match, was the metronome of the side, controlling tempo and shielding the defense with skill and intelligence. These ingredients—adaptability, bravery, and individual excellence—were the difference in a match that could have easily swung either way.
Fans, pride, and the afterglow
The outpouring of emotion after the whistle told its own story. Messages of congratulations flowed from President Ruto in the stands to Manchester United players and legends connected to McCarthy. On social media and across online platforms, Kenyans sang the praises of a team that had defied odds and seized history. As one fan noted, this was a day when the nation felt seen and united by sporting achievement.
But the squad and their leader did not allow themselves to indulge in complacency. Odhiambo, the match-winner, reflected honestly afterwards: “They were the better team today—we just used our chance. Next time, we need to be more cautious at the back and control the game better.” McCarthy, too, praised the fans for their unwavering patience—uncharacteristic, perhaps—but essential in steadying nerves on a day of immense pressure.
Lessons learned and the road ahead
- Confident tactical innovation – deploying players like Manzur Okwaro out of position, created the platform for success,
- Mental resilience – overcoming early mistakes and pressure speaks of a growing maturity in Kenya’s game,
- It’s just the beginning – as Odhiambo stressed, ball management and cohesion are areas to improve on, with Angola looming large as the next opponent.
For DR Congo, there were bitter lessons. Coach Otis Ngoma lamented his side’s lack of fitness and preparation time, blaming the early domestic league shutdown for their struggles. Yet, he also promised a spirited turnaround in their remaining matches, acknowledging Kenya’s tactical discipline and hunger.
Kenyan football’s turning point
The 1-0 triumph over DR Congo was more than just three points—it was a seismic shift in belief for Kenyan football. On the tactical board and on the pitch, Harambee Stars proved they belong at the continental top table, competing with conviction and daring.
The story is still being written. Next up is Angola, another stern test. With the lessons of Kasarani in their pockets and the nation watching, McCarthy’s men—and their irrepressible “Rolls-Royce” Odhiambo—carry the hopes of a country eager for the next magical chapter.
