The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani was sent into a frenzy after Harambee Stars' Austin Odhiambo fired Kenya into the lead against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in their opening match of the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Odhiambo netted the crucial goal in the dying minutes of the first half, igniting wild celebrations among thousands of fans packed into the stadium and millions more watching across the country.
The goal marked a perfect start for Kenya as they kicked off their Group A campaign in what was billed as a high-stakes showdown against the two-time CHAN champions.
The atmosphere at Kasarani was electric as the home side took a 1–0 lead into halftime.
This tournament marks Kenya’s much-anticipated return to continental football, and Sunday's opener was not just a football match, but a symbolic reawakening of national football pride.
Facing DR Congo — CHAN champions in 2009 and 2016 — was always going to be a daunting task, but Harambee Stars rose to the occasion with passion and discipline.
President William Ruto has thrown his weight behind the team, announcing record-breaking financial incentives ahead of the tournament.
Each player will receive Sh1 million for every win, Sh500,000 for a draw, and the entire team stands to earn Sh600 million if they win the CHAN title — tripling his initial pledge of Sh200 million.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko also pledged an additional Sh400 million to the team if they lift the trophy, bringing the total potential reward to a staggering Sh1 billion — the highest-ever cash incentive for a Kenyan national side.
The financial incentives, however, seem to be only part of the motivation driving the Stars, who are also playing for national pride, redemption, and a chance to assert Kenya’s place in African football.
