Harambee Stars started their TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 journey with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo at a packed Kasarani Stadium, powered by a second of brilliance from midfielder Austine Odhiambo in first-half stoppage time.

The Congolese facet began brightly, controlling possession and even having a objective dominated out for offside throughout the opening quarter-hour. Kenya regularly settled, with captain Abud Omar practically discovering the opener from a well-taken free-kick simply outdoors the field.

Within the twenty sixth minute, Masud Juma was denied a golden alternative to place the hosts forward after latching onto Omar’s incisive move. DR Congo goalkeeper Brudel Efonge reacted swiftly to parry Juma’s low strike.

Kenya lastly broke the impasse deep into added time on the finish of the primary half. Odhiambo weaved his well beyond two defenders earlier than calmly slotting previous the advancing Efonge, sending the house crowd into jubilation and giving Harambee Stars a 1-0 lead on the break.

The second half was extra evenly contested, with either side making tactical modifications. Kenya introduced on Boniface Muchiri and Marvin Nabwire within the 66th minute, adopted by a triple substitution within the 77th minute that noticed Chris Erambo, Mike Kibwage, and Ben Stanley be part of the fray.

DR Congo got here agonizingly near equalizing within the seventy fifth minute when substitute Horso Muaku discovered himself via on objective however fired broad with solely goalkeeper Byrne Omondi to beat.

Regardless of seven minutes of added time and intense stress from the guests, Kenya’s defence stood tall to safe all three factors. Alpha Onyango’s efficiency earned him the Man of the Match award.

With victory secured of their opening Group C encounter, Harambee Stars now flip their consideration to a vital Thursday night conflict in opposition to Angola.