- Kenya shocked DR Congo by a 1-0 victory in Chan’s historic match at Kasarani Stadium overflowing
- Austin Odhiambo’s goal in the first period gave them a victory in Harambee Stars as they doubled the champions
- Kenya becomes the third participating country for the first time to win the opening match of the CHAN, with the last minute pressure from Mpanzani
Kenya celebrated their first long-awaited match at the CAF Totalenergies of African Nations (CHAN) together 2024 with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo champions at the Moi International Sports Center on Sunday.
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Austin Odhiambo’s goal in the first period was proven to be meaningful in the first Group A match that saw the locals win the beginning of the jazba and secure their place on the Continental Forum in front of the crowd of electricity.
Totalenergies Chan is a two -year tournament that is allocated to players participating in their country’s domestic leagues, giving a platform to emerging talent in the country – and the new generation of Kenya did not discourage you.
After the goal was rejected by the Democratic Republic of Congo in the fifth minute – Jephté Kitambala’s goal decided to be lost following the VAR audit – Kenya set itself fit in the match, cheering on 60,000 fans in the field.
Despite the Democratic Republic of Congo dominating early ball, the locals remained disciplined and grew up in the game.
The success came before the break Odhiambo snatched from David Sakwa in the 45+2 minutes, gently leading the left -hand missile to the lowest corner of Brudel Efonge.
It was a goal that lifted the roof out of the field and symbolized the change of guard – Kenya, which played their Chan finals for the first time, had taken the leadership against one of the teams that achieved the tournament.
DR Congo, who failed to score in the 2022 article and were interested in rewriting the text under Otis Dance, pushed the equalizer in the second period.
They dominated many balls and approached through the heads of Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala, but the Kenyan defense column stood firm.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi played a key role in the 59th minute, finishing Heltone Kayembe’s strong shot on the gate, with defensemen Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija turning off many Congolese missiles.
Kenyan head coach Benni McCarthy made a series of tactics to strengthen the central ranks and protect the leadership, introducing players like Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire to stop the team in the last 15 minutes.
Seven minutes of breaks tried the Kenyan veins, but the locals held to register Chan’s first memorable victory, becoming the only third nation to win their opening match in the history of the tournament.
For DR Congo, the publication increases their winner of the competition for up to five matches, leaving them with a lot to do in their remaining Group A matches.
Kenya will now face Angola on Thursday, with DR Congo seeking liberation against Morocco.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
