Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy's Kenya off to winning start in 2024 CHAN after edging DR Congo

DR Congo thought they had taken the lead after four minutes by referee Jelly Chavani ruled out Jephte Kitambala's goal after consulting VAR for a possible foul.

With Congo, the more threatening side, they struggled to turn that into goals and were punished when Austine Odhiambo beat the halftime whistle to put Kenya.

After being set up, he shrugged off the challenge of Leopards' defenders to superbly finish and thrust the hosts ahead in the first half's stoppage time.  

Odhiambo's goal was the decider and the match ended 1-0 in favour of the Harambee Stars, who are coached by Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy.

As co-hosts, it was the perfect start to the tournament for Kenya, something that would give them confidence going forward in this tournament. 

McCarthy's men are hard-pressed to advance to the latter stages of this competition.

However, the Harambee Stars' struggles upfront are something that might concern the Bafana great and would work on that ahead of their next match.  

Kenya now switch focus to Thursday's clash with Angola in their next group game. 

On the same day, DR Congo clash with neighbours Zambia as the battle to take charge of Group A continues.