The Harambee Stars of Kenya are set to begin their historic journey in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 today with a highly anticipated Group A clash against two-time champions DR Congo.

The match, kicking off at 3 PM at a sold-out Kasarani Stadium, marks Kenya’s return to the continental stage and promises to be a defining moment for head coach Benni McCarthy and his squad.

With five nations vying for just two quarter-final slots in a tough Group A that also includes Angola, Morocco, and Zambia, every match carries immense weight. The pressure is on the hosts to deliver from the very first whistle and secure a positive result against a formidable opponent.

For Benni McCarthy, today’s match is the culmination of months of rebuilding and preparation. Despite his tactical flair and the team’s renewed confidence, the build-up has been marred by significant setbacks. The team lost key attackers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro, who sealed moves to a Zambian club, and rising talent Mohamed Bajaber, who transferred to Tanzania’s Simba SC on the eve of the competition. Injuries have also taken their toll, with defender Pamba Swaleh and midfielder Brian Musa both ruled out.

However, McCarthy remains upbeat, buoyed by the government’s support and the team’s spirit. “We’ve had solid preparations with tremendous backing from the government,” he said during a pre-match press conference. “Yes, we’ve faced setbacks, but the players have shown great hunger and drive. I’m confident that whoever takes the pitch will make the country proud.” The team’s morale received a massive boost from President William Ruto, who pledged a substantial incentive package for a tournament victory, including KSh 1 million for every game won. “The president’s gesture has energized the entire group,” McCarthy added.

On the other side, DR Congo, the most successful team in CHAN history, arrives with a redemption mission. Coach Otis Ngoma Kondi is determined to erase the memory of their disappointing group stage exit in Algeria two years ago. “We are not here for tourism,” he stated emphatically. Despite a shortened preparation period, Ngoma believes his squad is ready, with their sights set on reaching the quarter-finals and potentially winning a third title.

The historic clash will take place in front of a packed 60,000-capacity stadium, with a palpable electric atmosphere as Kenyan fans rally behind their team. The Harambee Stars will look to capitalize on the home advantage, while the Leopards, known for their physical style and tactical maturity, will aim to impose their experience and silence the crowd.

Following today’s crucial tie, Kenya will face Angola on August 7 and Morocco on August 10. They will conclude their group stage campaign against Zambia on August 17. A win on Sunday could be pivotal to their quarter-final hopes, setting a positive tone for the challenging matches that lie ahead.

Match Details:

• Fixture: Kenya vs DR Congo
• Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 local time (1200 GMT)
• Venue: Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi
• Group: A