Harambee Stars v DR Congo Player Ratings: Who Shone in Kenya's CHAN 2024 Opening Win at Kasarani?

Harambee Stars kicked off their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo at a packed Kasarani Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

With expectations high and pressure mounting on head coach Benni McCarthy, the Stars held their nerve, showing discipline, organization, and flashes of quality to secure all three points in their Group A opener.

Austin Odhiambo netted the all-important goal — a composed finish that was enough to settle the contest — and ensure Kenya marked their CHAN debut in style.

Here’s how each Harambee Stars player performed:

In this article, Pulse Sports Kenya analyses how each player turned up for the match.

Byrne Omondi commanded his area very well and oozed calm throughout the match. He was constantly communicating with his defenders, and stepped up with some timely saves during the match.

In many ways, he showed why he has been the rightful owner of the number one shirt for the country since his debut in 2023 against Pakistan.

Had a shaky first 20 minutes against DR Congo speedstar Ibrahim Matobo, who was a consistent one v one threat during that period. As a result, Sakari even got booked for a foul outside the edge.

However, he calmed down, and it was his slaloming run down the right that led to the lone goal by Austin Odhiambo. He also enjoyed a more comfortable second half, inverting into the midfield on several occasions, and even as a wingback when Benni McCarthy switched to a 3-5-2 formation.

Aboud Omar had a good game down the left flank both in attack and defensively, and never looked out of place. However, in the build up to the DR Congo goal that got disallowed, one feels he would have played it safer rather than try to dribble on the edge of his own box.

Sylvester Owino was commanding and no-nonsense throughout the game, but a bit shaky in possession on a couple of occasions. However, he was solid at his main job.

Playing in an unfamiliar defensive midfield position, the former Kenya U20 international did well recycling possession and gave the side an edge with his left foot.

He also provided an aerial and physical threat, denying DR Congo any opportunity to create inroads infield.

Alphonce Omija looked comfortable throughout. He commanded his area well and timed his challenges exceptionally well throughout the match. He really is a player for the big moments.

The goalscorer, Austin Odhiambo grew into the game as the match progressed. He looked isolated in the opening half hour, being asked to drop deep to receive the ball, but once he started occupying those little spaces between the lines, became a threat, and he ended up finding the back of the net.

The man of the match for the game, Alpha Onyango controlled the game well both in attack and in defense. Did his defensive job whenever required, and at the same time, was a threat with shots from distance. He also won five of his seven ground duels during the game.

Was a threat down the left with his direct running and even bagged himself an assist. Created a big chance, made one key pass which led to the goal, and stretched the Congo defence throughout the game.

Held up the ball well and even had a good chance to score, but was generally not at his best before being subbed off in the 60th minute.

Ryan Ogam started on the right wing, which surprised a number of people, but did well cutting inside on his left foot. Also combined well with Daniel Sakari and Austin Odhiambo down that right flank.

Bonface Muchiri did well during the 11 minutes he was on the pitch, including winning a foul from a dangerous position in the 84th minute. Made sure the result was intact.

Came on as a substitute for Manzur Okwaro, and generally also kept things ticking in that central midfield role.

Came on to see off the match, and did his job as required.

Organised the backline well when McCarthy switched to a 3-4-3 formation, with the Tusker stopper coming in as a substitute.

Had a good chance to make it two when he came on as a substitute, but his attempt went agonisingly wide, and even he knows he should have made it count as seen in his reaction afterwards.

Nevertheless, he kept things ticking and helped see out the game in an unfamiliar false number nine role.

With three points in the bag, Kenya now turn their focus to their second Group A match against Angola on Thursday, August 7. The match will be played under the Kasaranis floodlights, marking the first competitive national team game at night in over two decades.

A win would all but seal a spot in the knockout rounds — a huge achievement for a team that had to overcome late call-ups, injuries, and disrupted preparations.