CHAN 2024: Wholesome Experience for Kenyans as Harambee Stars Serve Up Thriller Against DR Congo

Harambee Stars left fans in delirium with their CHAN 2024 victory against DR Congo but how did Kenyans experience the action in and out of the stadium?

Kasarani Stadium was the place to be on Sunday August 3 as the Harambee Stars started their 2024 African Nations Championships campaign (CHAN 2024) against DR Congo.

As early as 10am, fans had already filled up the busy Thika Super Highway on their way to the match venue with buses changing their routes specifically to the stadium to cash in on the football frenzy.

There were up to five checking points for fans to get into the stadium and everyone had to have a valid ticket be granted access.

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Outside the stadium, it was time for small traders to make a quick buck as vendors sold flags, jerseys and other match merchandise with Harambee Stars supporters pulling off their best efforts to ensure the stadium was painted in the national colours.

One hour to kick off, Kasarani Stadium already filled up and when Benni McCarthy and his team rolled in to have a feel of the pitch, the atmosphere was electric. The fans went wild again when the players returned for their pre-match warm-up.

By now, McCarthy had already released his line-up and as it is the norm with Kenyan fans, there was debate over who started where and why certain players were not included in the starting XI.

All that, however, died down when kick off time arrived. As the national anthem was sung, silence and an air of anticipation greeted the 48,000-seater arena as both players and fans knew the moment had arrived.

Vision Plus Offers ‘Sofa Set Branch’ Best Viewing Experience

But all this was not just an experience of those at the stadium as millions of Kenyans across the country were closely following proceedings at Kasarani in the comfort of their living rooms thanks to the go-to electronics brand for home match viewing, Vision Plus.

The “sofa set branch” consisted of those who missed tickets and the ones in far flung areas but they had nothing to worry as Vision Plus had them covered since they were able to follow everything on Smart TVs, whose 4K displays offered the best quality.

When South African referee Alfred Jelly Chavani blew the whistle for the 3pm kick off, it was the turn for Harambee Stars to show the world what they are made off but it was not a great start for McCarthy’s men.

There was a sense of nervousness in their display, perhaps with the big stage weighing heavily on them, and they made a number of mistakes that nearly proved costly.

Just after five minutes in, Aboud Omar lost possession on the edge of the box and Japhte Kitambala pounced to give DR Congo the lead but luckily for Harambee Stars, the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

That VAR decision was celebrated like a goal by Kenyan fans both in the stadium and the “sofa set branch” which was enjoying the action on their Vision Plus smart TVs at home.

Austin Odhiambo Provides Moment of Pride for Kenyans

Harambee Stars grew into the game and in the 29th minute, they had their first opportunity when Austin Odhiambo found Masoud Juma but the striker missed from close range, while David Sakwa and Ryan Ogam also came close soon after.

But with four minutes added on before halftime, the heroic moment arrived. David Sakwa started a move on the right wing before passing to Odhiambo and the Gor Mahia playmaker weaved his way past his markers to slot home, sending the nation into ecstasy.

Fans in the stadium and those watching at home were off their seats as they celebrated the glorious moment as Harambee Stars displayed their class, showing that they can match the best given the pedigree and class of two-time winners DR Congo.

McCarthy also showed his tactical flexibility by asking youngster Manzur Okwaro to play in midfield to contain the threat of the Congolese while he was quick to move Ogam to his natural No.9 when he realised that playing him out wide was leaving Sakari exposed on the right.

Benni McCarthy’s Tactical Flexibility Neutralizes DR Congo

With Alpha Onyango, named Man of the Match, winning most of his midfield battles, it was tough for the DR Congo to play through the middle and they forced out wide but Kenya had it covered especially in the second half when they neutralised them.

Harambee Stars should have won by at least two goals but Ben Stanley Omondi, who had been played in by Odhiambo, failed to find the target when he only had the goalkeeper to beat.

Overall, it was a great experience for the Kenyan players who have now boosted their confidence while the fans watching at the stadium and on their Vision Plus smart TVs back at home could not complain having gotten full value for their money.

With four more group stage matches still to come, Harambee Stars fans are in for a treat as Vision Plus has unbeatable offers, running from August 1-31, which offers them an opportunity to get not just TVs but other home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, water dispensers, audio machines, smart watches and many more all available at https://visionplus.co.ke.

Following their opening day win, Harambee Stars now have three points in Group A, same as Morocco, who beat Angola 2-0 on Sunday, and next play the COSAFA champions on Thursday August 7.

What is Next for Harambee Stars?

The win against DR Congo has given McCarthy an outlook of how his team will cope and ahead of the Angola match, Odhiambo will be central to how they play and there is a likelihood of paring Alpha Onyango and Marvin Nabwire in central midfield to allow him to thrive without defensive responsibilities.

McCarthy has a decision to make at full-back as both Omar and Sakari did not cover themselves in glory while Ogam showed more quality when he was moved centrally and it remains to be seen whom between him and Juma will be selected as the No.9.

However, with a second win against Angola, Harambee Stars will put themselves in a great position to advance from the group as they might need one more win from the next two matches against Morocco and Zambia to qualify.

Morocco have proven to be tough and Kenya are yet to beat them in three meetings which means they might need to set up for a draw but they have a good record against Zambia who they should beat to make it through.

For Kenyans, this is a great opportunity not just to enjoy football matches but also snap up high quality electronic gadgets from Vision Plus and they have to hurry up and log onto https://visionplus.co.ke for the best deals before they run out.