Kenya seals historic 1-0 win against two-time champions DR Congo in African Nations Championship debut

Kenya on Sunday celebrated a memorable 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) debut at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

Although DR Congo tried to take the lead with an early fifth-minute goal from Jephte Kitambala, it was ruled offside, following a VAR review.

Kenya slowly came into its own, buoyed by the chants of the capacity crowd of about 60,000.

The breakthrough came just before half-time (45+2): David Sakwa neatly curled the ball around a defender to Austin Odhiambo, fired it into the bottom corner, at which the home crowd erupted in joy.

DR Congo responded in the second half by maintaining pressure, dominating set-pieces and coming close to equalising the score through headers by Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala. However, Kenya’s defence held firm.

Kenya's goalkeeper Byrne Omondi also made a crucial save in the 59th minute, tipping Heltone Kayembe’s powerful shot over the bar, while defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija repelled several late corners from Congolese corners.

Head coach Benni McCarthy also introduced tactical changes—bringing on players like Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire—to help maintain Kenya's narrow lead in the seven minutes of added time.

The result was historic: Kenya has now become the third debutant nation to win their opening CHAN match, gaining a crucial three points in Group A, while DR Congo continues their CHAN loss streak with a fifth loss.

Sports