All eyes on Harambee Stars as CHAN journey kicks off with DR Congo test
Reading Time: 5min | Sun. 03.08.25. | 07:38
The Leopards are making their seventh appearance in the tournament and have lifted the title twice, first in 2009 after beating Ghana, and again in 2016 after defeating Mali
History will be made this afternoon as Harambee Stars step onto the pitch for their first-ever appearance in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), taking on DR Congo in what is anticipated to be a thrilling Group A opener at a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Kick-off is set for 3 PM.
Kenya is co-hosting the tournament, which features players drawn exclusively from domestic leagues, alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
The tournament kicked off on Saturday in Tanzania, where the hosts edged Burkina Faso 2-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Kenya comes into the fixture as underdogs for several reasons.
Their preparation for the tournament has been far from ideal, having only played two low-intensity friendlies, one against a Kariobangi Sharks old boys team and another against a weakened Kenya Police FC side.
Additionally, as debutants, most of the squad members have never played competitively outside Kenya, and that inexperience could weigh heavily against a seasoned opponent like DR Congo.
However, with home support expected to fill the Kasarani stands, Harambee Stars will be hopeful of defying the odds.
Coach Benni McCarthy’s preparations were further disrupted by multiple squad changes.
Key players; Moses Shumah, Emmanuel Osoro, and Bajaber Mohammed exited the team after sealing moves abroad, while Brian Musa and Beja Nyamawi were ruled out due to injuries.
Swaleh Pamba was withdrawn following a medical diagnosis, forcing the South African tactician to make several last-minute call-ups.
The team also had to pull out of the four-nations tournament denying them a chance to play in high-profile friendlies ahead of the tournament.
“We have had our share of challenges,” McCarthy admitted. “Losing players to transfers and injuries is never easy, especially just before such a big tournament. But we have adjusted quickly, and the boys stepping in have shown great commitment.”
A timely morale boost came on Saturday morning when President William Ruto paid the team a surprise visit.
He had breakfast with the squad, offered words of encouragement, and promised a staggering Kshs 600 million in bonuses should the team win the CHAN title.
“The President’s visit has energized the team,” said McCarthy. “His support, both moral and financial, is a big boost. We have had the privilege of engaging with him more than once, and we do not want to let him or the country down. Our mission is to bring joy to Kenyans.”
Standing in Kenya’s way is a DR Congo side steeped in CHAN history.
The Leopards are making their seventh appearance in the tournament and have lifted the title twice, first in 2009 after beating Ghana, and again in 2016 after defeating Mali.
They have advanced past the group stage five times, with only one early exit in 2022.
DR Congo has also established a strong tradition in opening fixtures, winning four, drawing one, and losing just once.
They have kept clean sheets in five of those matches, conceding only in 2011.
However, their last outing in 2022 was a disappointment, as they failed to score a single goal in three matches, including a 3-0 defeat to Senegal.
Kenya will draw confidence from DR Congo’s recent struggles.
The Leopards enter the 2024 edition winless in their last four CHAN matches, with two draws and two losses, a run that includes their 2020 quarterfinal defeat to Cameroon.
McCarthy revealed he is facing a pleasant dilemma heading into today’s clash.
“Selecting the starting XI has been tough because the boys have shown tremendous hunger,” he said. “We have had solid backing from the government, and mentally and physically, the players are ready. I believe in whichever group we select, they’ll give everything for the badge.”
On the opposite bench, DR Congo head coach Otis N’Goma Kondi dismissed suggestions of pressure, but emphasized the importance of approaching the game with humility and focus.
“We came here to compete,” said N’Goma. “Kenya is a strong team, and playing at home gives them an edge, but we are not under pressure. At this level, pressure is not something we feel. We have experience and two titles, but we will approach this match with respect. We want that third star.”
While acknowledging that their three-week training camp was shorter than ideal, N’Goma remains optimistic.
“We have had limited time to prepare, that is true,” he added. “But we are professionals. The goal is to take it one game at a time and reach the final. The last edition was disappointing, but we have worked on the mental side of things. Even if we are not 100 percent physically, we are ready for the fight.”
Harambee Stars CHAN squad
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders: Chrispine Erambo, Brian Michira, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Forwards: Edward Omondi, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
DR Congo CHAN squad
Goalkeepers: Jackson Lunanga, Brudel Efonge, Aimé Bakula
Defenders: God Beni Ndongala, Lolendo Mansanga, Jacques Mwimba, Papy Kokeleya, Helton Kayembe, Osée Ndombele, Magloire Ntambwe, Jonathan Mokonzi
Midfielders: Mbiyeye Bisumana, Mika Miché, Linda Mtange, Jean Benoît Tukumbane, Diakana Marzuk, Aged Basiala
Forwards : James Mboma, Lyse Nyembo, Oscar Kabwit, Ibrahim Matobo, Josué Kazema, Tony Talasi, Horso Mwaku, Jepthé Kitambala, Molia Lihozasia
