44,378 fans attended the Kenya, DR Congo match at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. PHOTO: CGTN Africa.
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Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, kicked off their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The match was played at the newly refurbished Kasarani Stadium in the capital, Nairobi, and drew a crowd of 44,378 fans, including Kenya’s President William Ruto and the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe.
Security was tight, with Kenyan authorities deploying officers in vehicles and on horseback to manage the large crowd.
Thousands of fans streamed into the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere. Despite being outnumbered, Congolese supporters made their presence felt early on.
In the fifth minute, Jephté Kitambala found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check by South African referee Jelly Alfred Chavani.
After a shaky start, Kenya settled into the match.
Midfielder Austin Odhiambo scored the decisive goal, converting a low pass from David Sakwa into the bottom corner past DR Congo goalkeeper Brudel Efonge.
The Leopards pushed for an equalizer in the second half but were unable to break through Kenya’s defense.
Speaking to CGTN Africa after the game, Denise, a DR Congo fan, expressed optimism despite the loss:
“We played a good game, but luck was not on our side. Next time, we expect better results.”
Rodgers Were, a Kenyan fan, said:
“We started terribly, making silly mistakes before settling into the game. We need to win by a bigger margin next time. My advice to the coach: substitute lackluster players who could cost us matches.”
In the next Group A fixtures, Kenya will face Angola, while DR Congo takes on Morocco.
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