Harambee Stars players are set to pocket Ksh 1 Million Each, following their debut triumph against DR Congo in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 match, at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, on Sunday.
Backed by a deafening crowd of 60,000 fans, the hosts overcame early nerves to announce their arrival on the continental stage in emphatic fashion.
Shortly after Kick-off, DR Congo thought they had taken the lead in the fourth minute through Jephte Bola. However, a VAR review disallowed the goal due to a foul in the buildup.
In the 16th minute, DR Congo won a free kick after Matobo was fouled, but Mokonzi missed a free header. The Leopards created more chances in the first 20 minutes, while Harambee Stars struggled to find their rhythm.
Kenya had a great opportunity to open the scoring in the 28th minute, but Leopards goalkeeper Brudel Efonge made a crucial save to deny Masoud Juma's shot.
Though the Congolese dominated early possession, Kenya gradually settled, showing impressive discipline and tactical awareness. The breakthrough came just before the break when David Sakwa slipped a precise through ball to Odhiambo, who calmly finished with his left foot in the 45+2 minute, sending Kasarani into a frenzy.
The goal carried weight beyond the scoreline—it was symbolic of a debutant side taking charge against a continental heavyweight, and it injected fresh confidence into the Kenyan camp.
Determined to avoid another disappointing tournament—having failed to score a single goal in the 2022 edition—DR Congo came out strong in the second half. They mounted pressure with a flurry of set-pieces, with Kitambala and Jonathan Mokonzi both going close with headers.
But Kenya stood firm. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi pulled off a crucial fingertip save in the 59th minute to deny a powerful long-range strike from Heltone Kayembe. At the back, defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija remained composed under pressure.
To maintain control in midfield and preserve the narrow lead, head coach Benni McCarthy made tactical changes, introducing Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire to help see out the match.
The seven minutes of added time proved tense, but Kenya’s resilience held.
The hosts secured a historic first-ever CHAN win, becoming just the third debutant nation to claim victory in their opening fixture of the tournament.
Beyond their triump on the pitch, the players will be smiling all the way to the bank after President William Ruto's Promise yesterday.
The head of state announced each player is set to receive Sh1 million for every win and Sh500,000 for each draw during the competition.
Ruto sweetened the deal for players by announcing a hefty cash reward should they triumph in the tournament. Winning the championship will earn the team Sh600 million, while reaching the semifinals will attract Sh70 million. A quarterfinal spot comes with Sh60 million.
Kenya is in Group A alongside DR Congo, Zambia, Morocco, and Angola. The tournament opener, saw Tanzania face Burkina Faso on Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, with Taifa stars winning 2 - 0.
The CHAN tournament, held every two years, is exclusively for players competing in their home country’s domestic leagues—a platform designed to spotlight emerging local talent. And on this occasion, Kenya’s rising stars delivered.
The month-long tournament - being hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania - runs until August 30.
