DR Congo head coach Otis N’Goma has vowed to unleash a full-force assault on Harambee Stars in Sunday’s CHAN 2024 opener, while Kenya’s Benni McCarthy remains defiant ahead of the sold-out showdown at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
The battle lines are drawn, and the first shots have already been fired—verbally. N’Goma warned that his team will not hold back when they face CHAN debutants Kenya in the eagerly-awaited Group A opener.
Arriving in Nairobi on Thursday morning aboard Air Tanzania, the Leopards touched down with quiet confidence and the swagger of a team aiming to claim their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown. For N’Goma, it’s more than just a group match—it’s a statement of intent.
“We feel excited for the warm welcome that we have received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,” N’Goma said. “We had a good time in Tanzania preparing for this great tournament. Our players are in good condition and ready for the task ahead.”
The Congolese tactician made it clear: Kenya should expect a war. “It’s going to be a fierce and tactical battle. We’ve come here with a mission—to take this title back home. We respect the hosts, but we are not here to play nice,” he said.
DR Congo’s pedigree in this competition is not to be taken lightly. They were champions in 2009 and 2016, and this year marks their seventh appearance in the continental tournament that exclusively features locally-based players.
Their last title came in Rwanda, where they crushed Mali 3-0 in the final. Now, with a refreshed squad and the same hunger, the Leopards believe they can repeat history in East Africa once more.
Their path to Nairobi wasn’t smooth. After a 1-1 away draw against Chad in the qualifiers, they rallied to produce a resounding 3-1 victory at home, proof of their grit and quality under pressure.
Group A, where they’ve been drawn, is no easy route. Alongside hosts Kenya, the group features 2018 and 2020 champions Morocco, Zambia, and Angola—teams rich in tradition and talent.
Oscar Kabwit: The Sharp End of the Spear
All eyes will be on Oscar Kabwit, the dynamic forward from TP Mazembe, who is expected to lead the Congolese line. Kabwit brings versatility, strength, and a goal scorer’s instinct—qualities that could spell danger for Kenya’s backline.
Whether drifting wide or operating through the middle, Kabwit’s ability to create space and exploit defensive lapses could be pivotal for the Leopards’ opening performance.
But if DR Congo thought they would walk into Kasarani and take the three points, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has a different script in mind. “We are ready for them and we have a good squad that can put DRC in their rightful place,” McCarthy said during training at Kasarani.
“We’ve studied the team, and although I believe they have some technically adept players, we will prove to them we are in our backyard.”
McCarthy, who has brought structure, energy, and belief to a young Kenyan side, insists that debut nerves will not play a role. He believes the home crowd—expected to fill the 60,000-seater stadium—will give his players an edge.
“The fans will be our twelfth man. This is a new chapter for Kenyan football, and it begins now.”
Sunday’s match will mark Kenya’s first-ever appearance in the CHAN finals—a moment of immense national pride. Tickets for the clash were sold out by Wednesday, with fans eager to witness history and push their team over the line.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3 PM EAT, and a carnival atmosphere is expected in the capital as Nairobi hosts its first major continental football tournament in years.
