Raila hails Harambee Stars after winning first match against DRC

Arnold Ngure 03rd August, 2025 11:10 PM

ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has hailed Harambee Stars after their thrilling CHAN 2024 opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the Kasarani stadium.

In a statement on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Raila, who had accompanied President William Ruto to the game, expressed that he was proud of the team’s performance.

“Congratulations Harambee Stars. A great, exciting win. We are proud of you,” Raila said.

Hats off

Raila was among the prominent personalities at the presidential lounge during the match at Kasarani.

President William Ruto celebrates Kenya’s win against the DRC at the Kasarani stadium on August 3, 2025. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/RailaOdingaKE

He stood up and took his hat off when Harambee Stars secured its first goal from Gor Mahia’s midfielder Austin Odhiambo in the dying minutes of the first half.

The former premier equally hugged and shook hands with Ruto, FKF president Hussein Mohammed, and CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who celebrated the goal.

Odhiambo’s goal crowned a dominant first-half display by the Harambee Stars, who controlled 64.9 per cent of possession and boasted a pass accuracy of 80 per cent, significantly better than DR Congo’s 69 per cent.

Dominant DRC

Despite this, DRC had more attempts at goal, registering six shots compared to Kenya’s three. The visitors looked dangerous on the break but lacked sharpness in the final third, with goalkeeper Omondi standing firm.

Odhiambo, born on 16 December 1999 in Siaya, is no stranger to the big stage. A former AFC Leopards player and current Gor Mahia star, he was recently named the 2023–24 Kenyan Premier League Most Valuable Player.

Harambee Stars pose for a team photo before kickoff against DR Congo at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, 3 August 2025.PHOTO@SpokespersonGoK/X

He has represented Kenya at U20 and U23 levels and made his senior debut earlier this year, scoring during the 2024 COSAFA Cup.

Head coach Benni McCarthy, who took charge of the national team in March, has had to make bold decisions amid notable absences. Key forwards Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro moved abroad, while rising star Mohamed Bajaber transferred to Tanzania’s Simba SC.

Injuries to Pamba Swaleh and Brian Musa added to the selection woes. Yet McCarthy’s trust in Odhiambo and others in his youthful squad has paid early dividends.

Kenya will play against Angola on Thursday, August 7, 2025, Morocco on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and against Zambia on Sunday, August 17, 2025.