On Sunday at a sold-out Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya marked their long-awaited premiere at the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a remarkable 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo.

In a close opening Group A match, Austin Odhiambo’s first-half goal turned out to be the deciding element.Though their initial nervousness, the hosts confidently declared their presence on the continental stage before a packed audience of 60,000 supporters.

Giving a stage for budding local talent to shine—and Kenya’s fresh generation did not disappoint—the TotalEnergies CHAN is a biennial competition only for participants in their own country’s domestic leagues.

The game began with a disallowed goal for DR Congo due to offside in the fifth minute. Kenya took control, and just before halftime, Odhiambo scored from a pass by David Sakwa, giving Kenya a 1-0 lead in their CHAN final debut.

In the second half, DR Congo pressed for an equalizer, but Kenya’s defense, led by goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, held strong, with critical saves and effective clearances. Coach Benni McCarthy made tactical changes to secure the lead in the final minutes.

Despite seven minutes of stoppage time causing anxiety, Kenya clinched their historic first CHAN win. This victory marked them as the third debuting country to win their first game in the competition. DR Congo extended their winless streak to five games and will face Morocco next, while Kenya prepares to play Angola on Thursday.