Harambee Stars roared into CHAN 2025 with a statement win, beating two-time champions DR Congo 1–0. In a long-awaited continental debut at Kasarani Stadium, Kenya struck first and held on – a feat made sweeter by the packed, electric home crowd. The only goal came just before half‑time when midfielder Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia) latched onto a David Sakwa pass and calmly slid a left-footed shot into the bottom cornercafonline.com. The 45,000+ fans erupted in celebration, knowing their team had toppled one of CHAN’s giants. This result – Kenya’s first ever CHAN goal and victory – is a pivotal moment in our football story.
Heroics and Defensive Brilliance
The goal by Austin Odhiambo (often dubbed Mimi ni millionaire! by euphoric fans) broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. DR Congo had threatened early – they actually thought they scored in the 5th minute – but VAR intervened to rule it out. Once Kenya settled, Odhiambo seized his moment. In the 45+2′ minute he weaved into the box and smashed home, sparking wild jubilation in red, green and black.
After the break the Leopards pressed hard, but Kenya’s rearguard held firm. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi (Tusker) pulled off a vital fingertip save in the 59th minute to tip a powerful DR Congo drive over the bar. Defender Alphonce Omija made a goal-line clearance just before half-time to preserve the lead. Throughout the game veterans like captain Aboud Omar and Sylvester Owino marshaled the back four with discipline. In midfield, stalwart Alpha Onyango controlled the tempo and was later deservedly named Man of the Match. Coach McCarthy’s tactical tweaks (introducing Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire late on) ensured the slim advantage held up through seven tense minutes of stoppage time. By the final whistle, Kenya had kept a clean sheet and delivered a dream start.
McCarthy, Players and Fans Celebrate
The joy after the match was contagious. Head coach Benni McCarthy beamed, “I’m proud of my team – beating one of the tournament favourites is massive for us,”cafonline.com praising his players for showing bravery under pressurecafonline.com. He lauded Onyango and the team’s tactical discipline, noting the surprise midfield role for Manzur Suleiman: “He did one hell of a job protecting our back four – that’s exactly what we needed”. Striker Odhiambo – the night’s match-winner – was equally effusive. Caught by a local reporter in the dressing room, he spake with a grin: “Mimi ni millionaire! We are happy, tumewin leo na imetupatia moral…” and added that “tunalook forward to Thursday”. In other words, “the first game was so important, it’s a big morale boost and we’re already focused on the next one.”
Fans at Kasarani echoed the players’ joy. The stadium had turned into a sea of Kenyan flags, and supporters shouted “Harambee! Sisi tumebambika na hatuchoki!” As one report put it, the home crowd went “into raptures” when Kenya went ahead, and a social media buzz of #NiMillionaireHii swept Kenya for the evening. (Even President Ruto, who promised Ksh 1 million per player for each win, ran into the changing rooms to join the celebrations.) Overall, the night felt like victory for every Kenyan – on the pitch and in the stands.
Kasarani erupted in red, black and green as fans cheered Kenya’s first CHAN goal. The sold-out crowd was electric.
Significance for Kenya’s Campaign
This landmark win means more than just three points. It proves that Kenyan football can compete at this level. The Stars became only the third debutant nation ever to win their opening CHAN match, announcing “Kenya Yetu” on the continental stage. It builds early momentum in Group A (with Morocco also winning today), and sends a message to the rest of Africa: the Harambee Stars are here to stay. As Odhiambo said, the victory has given the squad ”motivation” and ”moral” going forward. Coach McCarthy’s pre-tournament vision (“whoever takes the pitch will make the country proud”) is coming true, and the team now carries the hopes of a nation.
For Kenya, this moment feels pivotal – a boost not just in CHAN but for domestic football’s credibility. Young players who once only dreamed of scoring on such a stage now know it’s possible. The crowd’s euphoria (and the million‑shilling reward now assured) shows the whole country is behind the Stars. Now, every match is do-or-die: Kenya must build on this and keep the faith high.
One thing’s clear: Kenyans must unite behind Harambee Stars. On Thursday we face Angola, and the team will need every chant and cheer we can give. As President Ruto said, “Keep the spirit high… we are behind you”– and that goes for the fans too. Whether in Kasarani, or at home, let’s support Harambee, paint our faces, and wear the flag with pride. This victory is a shining moment, and together we can turn it into a run for the trophy. Let the Stars feel our support: Harambee!.
