Harambee Stars vs DR Congo gets underway in crucial CHAN opener
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 3, 2025The Harambee Stars have kicked off their highly anticipated CHAN 2024 campaign on August 3, 2025, with a high-stakes Group A clash against two-time champions DR Congo at a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
This is Kenya’s long-awaited debut in the African Nations Championship, and the pressure is immense as they face a seasoned DR Congo side that has lifted the trophy twice, in 2009 and 2016. Head coach Benni McCarthy’s men are determined to make a bold statement on home soil.
McCarthy, who took over the reins in March 2025, has dealt with several squad setbacks leading up to the tournament. Key forwards Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro moved to Zambia’s Power Dynamos, while rising star Mohamed Bajaber joined Simba SC in Tanzania just before the competition began. Injuries to defender Pamba Swaleh and midfielder Brian Musa further disrupted preparations.
PHOTO/Screengrab by People Daily Digital.
The lineup
Nonetheless, McCarthy remains confident in his selected XI, Omondi is the goalkeeper, with captain Aboud Omar leading a backline that includes Sakari and S. Owino. In midfield, Onyango, Omija, Sakwa, and Manzur aim to control the tempo, while Masoud, Austine, and Ogam lead the attacking charge. The South African coach emphasised pride and national unity as key motivations for his squad, boosted by a pre-match visit from President William Ruto and a promised bonus for tournament success.
On the opposing side, DR Congo arrive in Nairobi eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 outing, where they failed to register a single goal. Coach Otis Ngoma has assembled a squad combining youth and experience, though their build-up was hampered by a shortened preparation period. The Leopards, however, come in on a winning streak and are keen to silence the Kasarani crowd.
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Historically, DR Congo hold the edge over Kenya. But with the Harambee Stars playing in front of their own fans and riding a wave of national pride, the hosts hope to flip the script.
PHOTO/Screengrab by People Daily Digital.
Group A is no easy ride, with Morocco, Angola, and Zambia also in the mix. For both Kenya and DR Congo, today’s result could prove vital in determining their quarter-final fate. It’s now or never for McCarthy’s men, and the nation is behind them.