Harambee Stars Set to Ignite CHAN 2024 with High-Stakes Opener Against DR Congo
Nairobi, Kenya – August 2, 2025 – The stage is set for an electrifying start to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as Kenya’s Harambee Stars prepare to face two-time champions, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in their opening Group A match on Sunday, August 3, at the newly refurbished Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. With tickets sold out and a capacity crowd of 55,000 expected, the atmosphere promises to be nothing short of electric.
Under the guidance of South African football legend and head coach Benni McCarthy, Harambee Stars are making their historic debut in the CHAN tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Drawn into the formidable “Group of Death” alongside DRC, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia, Kenya faces a daunting challenge but is buoyed by passionate home support and a squad blending experience with youthful energy.
A Clash of Titans
The Red Devils of DRC, coached by Otis N’Goma, arrive with a pedigree, having clinched the CHAN title in 2009 and 2016. Their squad, featuring TP Mazembe’s prolific striker Oscar Kabwit, is a blend of veterans and rising stars aiming for a deep tournament run. However, DRC’s recent form has been shaky, with no wins in their last four CHAN matches, giving Kenya hope to capitalize on home advantage.
McCarthy, who recently made three changes to his 25-man squad due to injuries and transfers, including the addition of Shabana’s Brian Michira and Tusker’s Chrispine Erambo, expressed confidence in his team’s preparation. “We’re ready to give Kenyans a performance to be proud of,” McCarthy said, acknowledging the challenge of selecting his starting XI for the opener. “A good start against DRC will set us up nicely for the tough matches ahead.”
Home Support and High Stakes
The sold-out Kasarani Stadium underscores the immense excitement surrounding Harambee Stars’ campaign. Fans have snapped up red, green, and white jerseys at subsidized prices, ready to transform the venue into a sea of national pride. Captain Aboud Omar, a veteran of previous encounters with DRC, exuded confidence, stating, “We’ve played them before, and we know what they’re capable of. With our fans behind us, it’s going to be a great game.”
Adding to the motivation, President William Ruto has promised a hefty Ksh600 million reward if Harambee Stars win the tournament, with additional bonuses of Ksh1 million per player for every win and Ksh500,000 for every draw. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also increased the tournament’s prize pool, with the champions set to pocket Ksh452.2 million.
Controversy and Confidence
Tensions have surfaced ahead of the match, with DRC coach Otis N’Goma accusing Kenya of spying on their training sessions. “They sent scouts to watch us, but we’re ready to manage the game,” N’Goma said. McCarthy dismissed the claims, focusing instead on his team’s readiness and the tactical drills honed during their training camp at Kasarani Annex.
Harambee Stars’ recent 4-0 friendly win over Kenya Police FC has boosted morale, with striker Masoud Juma and youngster Austin ‘Lastborn’ Odongo among those eager to shine. Senator Hamida Kibwana and captain Michael Olunga, despite not playing due to CHAN’s domestic league player rule, have rallied fans to support the team, emphasizing national unity.
What’s Next?
A strong start against DRC is crucial for Kenya to gain momentum in Group A. After the opener, Harambee Stars face Angola on August 7, Morocco on August 10, and Zambia on August 17, all at Kasarani. Only the top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals, making every match a must-win.
As Kenya prepares to make history on home soil, the nation is united in its support for Harambee Stars. Tune in on Sunday at 3:00 PM EAT to find out. For the latest updates, follow us at street.co.ke.
Stay tuned for live match coverage and post-game analysis!