Motivated Stars face wounded Angola with three points and Sh1 million at stake

Harambee Stars have set their eyes on limping sable antelopes of Angola in their second African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 clash on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Kasarani stadium, with three points guaranteeing them another Sh1 million and a potential second round slot.

This comes after the motivated players got Sh1 million each as promised by President William Ruto, after their hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo, while the Angolans fell 2-0 to Morocco on August 3, 2025, at Nyayo stadium.

 Austin Odhiambo’s first-half strike proved decisive in the tightly-contested clash as stars reigned supreme over the Leopards.

Buoyed by a sold-out crowd, Stars gave as much as they received from the two-time CHAN champions. 

Young defender Mansour Okwaro was surprisingly played as a makeshift defensive midfielder.

 The 19-year-old KCB man stood out by cutting the Congolese dangerous runs, and also allowed his midfield partners, Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo, both of Gor Mahia, to make forward runs.

Onyango controlled the tempo of the game and clinched the man of the match award, while Odhiambo’s forward runs provided the match-winning goal.

Mansour was unfortunately stretchered off with a foot injury, and is fighting a late fitness test ahead of Thursday’s battle with the Angolans, and his absence may see Marvin Nabwire get the nod.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Bryne Omondi thwarted the Leopards' shots, but also had the VAR to thank for having conceded from the near post after captain Aboud Omar had drawn a foul from a dangerous area.

He also had defenders Alponse Omija, Sylvester Owino and Daniel Sakari to thank for helping him keep the clean sheet.

David Sakwa, another surprise starter, assisted Austin’s goal but did little moving forward. Ryan Ogam playing out of position on the right wing also caused the Congolese defense problems with his pace and strength. 

Experienced striker Masoud Juma was a pale shadow of himself and could only hit the ball straight at the keeper despite having acres of space and time.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy praised his team’s courage and tactical discipline after their historic victory over the Congolese, and will likely make minimal changes. 

“I’m proud of my team; many of them were stepping onto such a big stage for the first time. Beating one of the tournament favourites is massive for us."

“We were nervous at the start, but once the boys settled, they showed real bravery,” McCarthy said. 

DR Congo head coach Otis Ngoma expressed frustration over his team’s limited preparation time, which was not enough to build proper team chemistry and cohesion. 

“Our pre-competition camp fell short of expectations. With our league ending early, the players lacked match fitness, and that’s what cost us the match.” Otis said. 

Stars will be looking to skin the Sabtle Antelopes, who are at position 85 in the latest FIFA World Rankings, compared to Kenya, who are ranked 109^th. 

The COSAFA champions pushed the more fancied Moroccans to the limits, but the North African’s emerged winners.

Angola head coach Pedro Gonçalves, expressed confidence in his side’s ability to challenge the favorites despite falling to Morocco. 

“Five players secured moves abroad during our training camp, and we had to call up new faces. It shows how Angolan players are valued more. Technically, we are gifted, and we have to re build and get a good result against hosts Kenya. Said Pedro.