CHAN 2025: Leaders join Kenyans in celebrating Harambee Stars after defeating DRC

Kenyans have congratulated Harambee Stars for defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This was their opening match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) where Kenya defeated DRC 1-0 at Moi Sports Stadium Kasarani.

The match saw Kenya grab all three points after a first-half goal from midfielder Austin Odhiambo.

He delivered the only goal of the game after a well-coordinated team build-up.

The goal threw the stadium into celebrations as they congratulated the national team for making them proud.

Leaders on social media also came out to celebrate Harambee Stars, wishing them the best in the coming matches.

“Congratulations, Harambee Stars, on your  1-0 win in the opening CHAN Match against DR Congo at Kasarani! Well done, and best wishes in the upcoming matches,” former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said on X.

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka celebrated Odhiambo, who delivered the first and only goal, and the entire team.

“What a historic victory #harambeestars! Austin Odhiambo, your name is clearly written in the stars. Well done skipper Aboud Omar, coach Benni McCarthy and the entire team,” he said.

Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Ababu Namwamba congratulated Harambee Stars for keeping their promise.

“Super proud of you lads! Promise made, promise kept. Keep winning, keep uniting the nation,” he added.

Earlier, the former Sports CS said he spoke to Harambee Stars in the morning over the phone, encouraging them to do their bes,t saying Kenya is behind them and cheering their efforts.

“Harambee Stars, you’ve got this. Shine bright, make us proud, and let the world see the heart of Kenya through your performance. We are with you every step of the way,” Tourism CS Rebecca Miano said.

Kenya next faces Angola on Thursday, while DR Congo will seek redemption against Morocco.

It was a goal that lifted the roof off the stadium and symbolised a changing of the guard—Kenya, making their CHAN finals debut, had taken the lead against one of the tournament’s most successful sides.