Kenyans at large were in a state of ecstasy after their boys, Harambee Stars, beat the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Leopards 1-0 in a thrilling game at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi.

The match kicked off at 1500 hrs EAT in a packed Kasarani Stadium as fans clad in the national team’s jerseys and waving miniature Kenyan flags filled the atmosphere with cheers to support their boys.

In the opening minutes of the game, the home side was stunned when the two-time champions Congo opened the scoring in the fifth minute.

The Congolese fans were elated as they celebrated, but their joy was short-lived when South African referee Jelly Chavani, with the intervention of the VAR, ruled out the goal due to a foul on Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar which led to the goal.

The visitors continued to pose a threat to the home side after coming close to scoring from a wonderful corner kick, which was headed wide. Kenya seemed to recover as they began creating chances, the most notable being Masud Juma’s one-on-one effort, which was saved by Congo goalkeeper Brudel Liyongo.

At halftime, the two teams seemed evenly matched until Gor Mahia attacking midfielder Austine Odhiambo, after a beautiful pattern of play from the home side, shifted the ball to his left foot and slotted it past the keeper, sending the whole stadium into a frenzy.

After the halftime break, Congo tried their best to create chances, but the home side, with the support of their fans, stood resilient and defended brilliantly. Kenya came close to scoring a second after goal scorer Odhiambo set up substitute Stanley Omondi with a beautiful through ball, putting him in a one-on-one situation with the keeper, but he skewed his chance by sending the ball wide.

Kenyans were elated after the final whistle, which gave the home side their first-ever victory in the CHAN tournament. They also became only the third debutant in CHAN history to win their opening match, a testament to their performance. Political leaders congratulated the team on their fine performance.

President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and other leaders were in attendance at the match. The president had promised each player a Sh 1 million reward for every game won.

In the event of a draw, they would receive half a million, and if crowned champions, they would receive a whopping Sh 600 million. Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko promised the team a Sh 400 million reward if they lifted the trophy.

Harambee Stars are set to face Angola in their second match on Thursday, August 7, at 19:00 hrs EAT at Kasarani Stadium.

– By Anthony Mwangi