The delayed African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 reached a fever pitch as two-time champions DR Congo touched down in Nairobi ahead of their much-awaited Group A opener against hosts Kenya’s Harambee Stars.

The eagerly awaited match is scheduled for Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre Stadium, Kasarani, starting at 3:00 pm local time. The arrival of the Congolese delegation on Thursday, July 31, 2025, sparked excitement among football enthusiasts and set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between the regional heavyweights.

DR Congo lifted the CHAN title in 2009 and 2016. The side is widely regarded as one of the tournament favourites. Led by their technical bench and a squad brimming with home-based talent, the team received a warm reception at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before heading straight to their hotel base in Nairobi. The two-time champions will hold their first training session on Kenyan soil later today as they begin final preparations for Sunday’s showdown.

Kenya, on the other hand, will be hoping to capitalise on home advantage and make a strong start in front of their fans. The Harambee Stars, under the guidance of head coach Benni McCarthy, have been in camp for weeks and are eager to make a statement against one of the continent’s most successful CHAN sides in Group A of the tournament.

Opening match

The opening match carries significant weight, especially for Kenya, which is looking to progress past the group stages for the first time in CHAN history. According to the CHAN Local Organising Committee, security has been heightened ahead of the competition, with local supporters expected to flock to the selected stadiums in large numbers. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also dispatched officials to oversee final logistics, ensuring the tournament kicks off smoothly.

Kenya is in Group A of the CHAN 2024 alongside DR Congo, Zambia, Angola, and North African giants Morocco. Kenya will co-host the tournament for the first time in history alongside Uganda and Tanzania. As of Thursday, July 31, 2025, match tickets for the opening fixture between Harambee Stars and DR Congo had sold out.