Harambee Stars Beat DR Congo in CHAN Opener, Earn KSh1 Million Each

Nairobi, Kenya – August 3, 2025 – The Harambee Stars delivered a historic performance in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) debut, defeating two-time champions DR Congo 1-0 at a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The victory, sealed by a late first-half goal from Odhiambo, not only ignited national pride but also triggered a KSh1 million payout for each player and technical staff member, as pledged by President William Ruto.

The match was a testament to Kenya’s resilience against a formidable opponent. Despite DR Congo’s early dominance in possession, the Stars, under new head coach Benni McCarthy, maintained a disciplined defensive structure.

The breakthrough came in the 45+2nd minute when David Sakwa’s precise pass found Odhiambo, who calmly slotted a left-footed shot past DR Congo’s goalkeeper Brudel Efonge.

The goal sent the Kasarani crowd into a frenzy, marking a symbolic moment for a Kenyan side making its CHAN finals debut against one of the tournament’s giants.

DR Congo, led by coach Otis Ngoma, pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half, dominating set-pieces and testing Kenya’s defense with headers from Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala.

However, goalkeeper Byrne Omondi proved impenetrable, making a crucial save in the 59th minute to deny Heltone Kayembe’s powerful strike.

Defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija stood tall, repelling a late barrage of Congolese corners to secure a clean sheet.

President Ruto and Raila Odinga and Billionaire CAF President Patrice Motsepe leads the fans in giving the Harambee Stars a standing ovation after winning the game against DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium

President Ruto’s pre-match promise of KSh1 million per player for a win and KSh500,000 for a draw galvanized the squad.

“We will do our utmost best for everybody to be proud of being Kenyan,” McCarthy said after Ruto’s morale-boosting visit on August 2.

The financial incentives, coupled with the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) substantial prize pool, have raised the stakes for the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The victory places Kenya in a strong position in challenging Group A, alongside Morocco, Zambia, and Angola. Captain Aboud Omar, who led by example, emphasized team unity: “This win is for Kenya. The President’s support gave us confidence, and we’ll keep pushing.”

As fans celebrate this historic victory, the Stars’ next challenge is to maintain momentum in what many are calling the “Group of Death.”

The question now looms: can this victory, fueled by financial incentives and passionate home support, propel Kenya to CHAN glory?