CHAN 2024: Six lessons learned from Harambee Stars' historic win over DR Congo
Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 05.08.25. | 18:11
With such a win, there are plenty of lessons and positives to deduce from the match, but Mozzart Sport picked six lessons
Following Harambee Stars' historic win over DR Congo in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) debut, here are six lessons taken away from the hard-fought 1-0 victory.
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Kenya took on the Central African nation in their opening match of the ongoing CHAN, squeezing a 1-0 victory courtesy of Austine Odhiambo’s strike in first-half stoppage time.
The match, which was Kenya's debut in the biennial continental tournament reserved for local-based players, was also the first of the games that will be played in the country.
With such a win, there are plenty of lessons and positives to deduce from the match, but Mozzart Sport picked six lessons.
McCarthy is a tactical genius
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy displayed pure tactical prowess with how he set up his team and how they played.
The former Manchester United forwards' coach, well aware of DRC, played with a lower block and stayed compact, especially in midfield, forcing DRC to attack from wide areas.
McCarthy also studied his opponents and knew that they would be playing direct long balls to the big Jephte Kitambala, who would then link up play.
In his own explanation, McCarthy revealed that he assigned two tall centre backs to him and played young Manzur Okwaro, a defender in the holding midfield role, to screen the defenders and collect loose balls.
In the last 15 minutes of the match, the South African switched to a five-man defense with the introduction of Kibwage in order to deal further with the increased direct balls.
Manzur Okwaro is a gem
KCB FC defender Manzur Okwaro is such a priceless gem that Kenya possesses. He showed great belief, composure and confidence in his style of play.
Okwaro was surprisingly named in the starting lineup and, on a more shocking note, made to start at the base of Kenya's central midfield.
According to McCarthy, he was deployed to screen the defense and help in stifling Congolese striker Jephte Kitambala, a role he excelled in.
At just 19 years of age, he is one player who can serve the Kenyan national team for over 15 years if he continues with a similar trajectory, making him a gem for the country.
Austin Odhiambo is a cut above the rest
Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo once again proved why he is considered by many as the best player in the FKF Premier League.
Odhiambo, who admitted that he was aware that the team and country depended on him to create chances, had a good game and created at least three big chances.
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In the first half, he played Masud Juma through on goal, but the former Kariobangi Sharks forward's feeble shot was saved.
He equally laid a ball to David Sakwa, who shot over the bar before he took matters into his own hands, dribbled past a defender and scored the match’s only goal.
Additionally, he set up a one-on-one that left Ben Stanley Omondi with only the keeper to beat, but the Gor Mahia man shockingly shot wide with the offside flag saving his blushes.
Odhiambo's ball handling and how he easily went past Congolese players on the half turn, forcing them to foul him severely, was a testament to his class.
Byrne Omondi stakes claim on No.1 jersey
The 28-year-old produced a stellar performance for Kenya between the sticks and brought a lot of confidence both to his teammates and fans
The former Mathare United goalkeeper seemed to be back to his best after enduring a difficult season that was punctuated by injuries and later losing his place at Bandari FC to Farouk Shikalo, his understudy in the national team.
Omondi was calm in goal, had a good command and coordination with his defense and the ability to play from the back.
Save for when he held the ball for long, forcing the referee to award DRC a corner, the Gor Mahia-bound custodian made no mistake in the match.
President's Ksh1 million promise comes in handy
The promise by President William Ruto to reward every Harambee Stars player Ksh1 million for each win proved to be a game changer.
Kenya played with extra motivation, and as admitted by both Odhiambo and Boniface Muchiri after the match, the idea that a million awaits if they win made Harambee Stars concentrate and push more.
Importance of the 12th man
Harambee Stars fans were incredible and supported the team throughout the match and pushed them over the line.
They demonstrated why fans are referred to as the 12th player in football. From the first whistle, they cheered. From Mexican waves to chanting players' names, from turning seats into drums to singing, they pushed the team.
Since the return of international matches to Kenya, fans have shown how they missed the game and are ready to support the team.
McCarthy and Odhiambo acknowledged their support and called upon Kenyans to make it even better against Angola on Thursday, 7 August.
