President William Ruto and Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe were among dignitaries at the opening match of the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN).
ODM leader Raila Odinga also graced the opening game between Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The 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 —the opening game lived to be a daunting task, but Harambee Stars rose to the occasion with passion and discipline.
The atmosphere at Kasarani was electric as the home won the game 1-0.
Kenya has been drawn in Group A alongside continental heavyweights DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia.
Group A matches are all set to be played in Nairobi, split between Nyayo and Kasarani Stadium.
However, all of Kenya’s group stage matches will exclusively be played at the Kasarani Stadium, allowing the home team to enjoy consistency and home ground advantage in familiar surroundings.
The remaining Group A games will alternate between Kasarani and Nyayo.
In addition to hosting group matches, Kasarani Stadium will also stage a quarterfinal clash pitting the winner of Group A against the runner-up of Group B. Furthermore, the tournament’s final and official closing ceremony will also be held at the same venue.
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 has 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.
