Two-time champions DR Congo have touched down in Nairobi for the 2024 CHAN, brimming with belief as they prepare to launch their title charge against hosts Kenya this Sunday at a packed Kasarani Stadium.

The Leopards, led by head coach Otis N’Goma, became the second team to arrive in Kenya for Group ‘A’ matches, which will be played at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium starting on Sunday, August 3.

Having made seven appearances in CHAN (2009, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022 and now 2024), the Leopards will be keen to make a flying start when they take on Kenya’s Harambee Stars in the opening game at Kasarani Stadium.

“We feel excited for the warm welcome we have received at the airport in Nairobi,” N’Goma told Flashscore after the team’s touchdown at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). “We had a good time in Tanzania, preparing for this great tournament. Our players are in good condition and ready for the task ahead.”

He added, “We know it will not be an easy opener against Kenya. They have quality players from what I have gathered. They have a renowned coach in Benni McCarthy, who understands what it means to win trophies, and he won trophies as a player, so we won’t take the game lightly.

“Opening games are always tricky in any competition. It is a game that helps set the tone for the next fixture, so a positive result is always good. Looking at my players and the kind of training we have undergone in Tanzania, I strongly believe we have what it takes to start off with a win and set our sights on qualifying from the group.”

The Leopards demonstrated their resilience during qualification. After being held to a 1-1 draw by Chad in the first leg, they turned the tables with a convincing 3-1 home victory to secure their spot in the tournament.

While DR Congo is already looking forward to the opener, Kenya coach Benni McCarthy once again made changes to his squad following the departure of Mohammed Bajaber, Swaleh Pamba, and Brian Musa, who will now miss the tournament for various reasons. Bajaber is already in Tanzania to seal a deal with giants Simba SC, while Pamba and Musa have been ruled out due to injuries. Shabana midfielder Brian Michira, Tusker’s midfielder Chrispin Erambo, and Sofapaka’s forward Edward Omondi have now been called in to replace the trio.

Explaining the latest changes, McCarthy said while Bajaber was set to sign for Simba SC of Tanzania, as earlier exclusively reported by Flashscore, Musa and Pamba had to be dropped due to injury concerns.

“Brian Musa pulled his hamstring while in Tanzania, and when we got back his scan, it wasn’t looking healthy, so we had to take precautionary measures in case it is a grade two or grade three tear, so we had to replace the player,” McCarthy said in an interview with Flashscore.

“There was a slight problem with the heart of one of the players, Pamba Swaleh, so I think for precautionary measures, we had to drop the player.”

On the absence of Bajaber, McCarthy said, “He has been nursing an injury but we thought hopefully we would be able to use him in the group stages, and he was one of the players who was definitely going to start. But then the news came that he had an opportunity to sign for a top club in Africa, Simba, so instead of keeping the player here, we allowed him to go and get the necessary treatment at his new club and settle in quickly.”