Kenya marked their long-awaited debut at the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a statement 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo at a sold-out Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on Sunday. Austin Odhiambo’s first-half strike proved decisive in a tightly-contested Group A opener that saw the hosts overcome a nervy start and assert their place on the continental stage in front of an electric home crowd. After a disallowed goal for DR Congo in the fifth minute—Jephté Kitambala's strike ruled out for offside following a VAR review—Kenya settled into the match, buoyed by vocal support from 60,000 fans in the stands. Despite DR Congo dominating early possession, the hosts remained disciplined and grew into the game. The breakthrough came just before the break when Odhiambo latched onto a pass from David Sakwa in the 45+2 minute, coolly guiding a left-footed shot to seal an important win. Meanwhile, Morocco began their quest for a third CHAN title with a solid 2-0 victory over Angola in the Group A opener at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Imad Riahi’s spectacular long-range strike in the first half and a second-half own goal from Angola’s Kinito sealed a deserved win for the Atlas Lions in a contest they largely dominated. The CHAN, which features only players plying their trade in their domestic leagues, saw Morocco once again demonstrate their pedigree in a tournament they have won twice—in 2018 and 2020. Elsewhere, Madagascar and Mauritania played out a tense 0-0 draw on Sunday evening at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, as both sides opened their Group B campaign at the CHAN 2024. The result means both teams remain level in a competitive five-team group, where an early win would have provided vital momentum. Despite plenty of endeavour and moments of promise from both teams, neither could find the decisive touch in a contest that saw more fouls than fluid football. CHAN is a biennial CAF tournament exclusively reserved for players who compete in their country’s domestic leagues, offering a platform for emerging local talents to shine—and Kenya’s new generation did not disappoint.
