Harambee Stars fullback Daniel Sakari will be eager to make an impression in the upcoming CHAN games that kick off this Sunday, August 3, 2025.

With the tourney coming to Kenya, Sakari has acknowledged that the stage to showcase talents to potential suitors will be up for grabs as they seek to further their careers.

He opines that the target to grab the opportunity will rank high on the Harambee Stars players, especially those featuring for the first time on such an elevated stage.

“For us who are going to a major tournament for the first time. We are ready and waiting for the big day on Sunday. We know the scale of the match, and for those of us who are going into a major tournament for the first time, we expect to give a lot. We know it’s a platform and a stepping stone to major things.”

The Kenya Police prodigy also says the team is ready for the games after spending a considerable number of days ramping up their preparations.

“Preparations have been good; we have been together for the past three weeks. We have gotten in a lot of work, and I trust that everyone is now ready for Sunday. The mood is good, and now I expect a competitive tournament,” he added.

More arrivals

Sakari’s remarks follow after the team camp on Monday was boosted by the arrival of three more players.

Tusker midfielder Chrispine Erambo highlighted the late call-ups by Benni McCarthy that also included Shabana ace Brian Michira and Sofapaka attacker Edwin Ondimu.

The combative midfielder’s arrival was confirmed by his club as Kenya stepped up preparations for the tournament just five days away.

“Congratulations to our midfield dynamo Chris Erambo on his late call-up to the Harambee Stars squad for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). Go shine. Rambo. It’s your time! Brewer’s message from X on Monday, July 28, 2025, read.

Michira earned the nod to link up with the team on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

The attacker played a crucial role in Tore Bobe league campaign with a 17-goal contribution in the campaign. He was particularly influential in the FKF Shield Cup, where he netted five times.

Kenya will open their CHAN games against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the refurbished Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, at 3:00 pm.

Harambee Stars have played DR Congo nine times across various competitions. DR Congo holds the edge with 4 wins and 2 draws. Kenya has recorded 3 wins against the Congolese side.

Group A fixtures

The most recent competitive encounter was at the 1999 Africa Cup of Nations, where DR Congo won 2–1 in the group stage before Kenya famously upset them 1–0 in a return match at home.

After the DRC match, Kenya will also play against Angola in their second Group A fixture on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Their head‑to‑head is balanced: 2 wins apiece since 2006 across four AFCON qualification matches. Kenya beat Angola twice in 2007 (2–1 at home) and again in March 2011 (2–1) during AFCON qualifying, while Angola triumphed in October 2006 (3–1 away) and in June 2011 (1–0 away).

Their other matches in the group stages will include one against Morocco on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and the last one at the group stage level against Zambia on August 17, 2025.