Can Kenya rise to the occasion on home soil? As the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) "Bamoga" 2024 kicks off, all eyes will be on the opening clash this Sunday, August 3rd. Host nation Kenya will square off against two-time champions DR Congo in what promises to be a high-stakes, emotion-charged encounter at the iconic Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

This match marks Kenya’s return to the continental football scene, and what a way to come back—facing the most successful team in CHAN history. With Group A featuring five fierce contenders battling for just two quarterfinal spots, every match counts, and Kenya is under pressure to deliver from the very first whistle.

Under the leadership of South African tactician Benni McCarthy, Kenya enters the tournament with renewed energy, discipline, and purpose. Since his appointment in March, McCarthy has infused a modern tactical identity into the team.

However, the road to CHAN has not been without obstacles. Key players such as Musa Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro, the top scorers in the Kenyan Premier League, transferred to Zambia's Power Dynamos just weeks before the competition. Promising youngster Mohammed Bajaber also made a high-profile move to Simba SC in Tanzania, while defender Bamba Swaleh was ruled out due to medical reasons. Midfield engine Brian Musa suffered a knee injury, adding to the list of absentees.

“We prepared well, with strong backing from the government. Sure, we had setbacks, but the players showed incredible spirit. Picking the starting eleven wasn’t easy, but I trust the ones who take the pitch will represent Kenya with pride.”

In a morale-boosting moment, Kenyan President William Ruto made a surprise visit to the national team. He shared breakfast with the players and promised significant rewards if the team brings home the trophy.

“The president’s visit gave us a massive boost. This isn’t just about winning; it’s about pride, about flying the Kenyan flag high at home,” added McCarthy.

DR Congo enters CHAN 2024 with a mission—to erase the bitter memory of their early exit in Algeria two years ago, where they failed to score a single goal.

Led by experienced coach Otis Ngoma Kondi, the Congolese side arrives in Nairobi with clear intent.

“We’re not here for sightseeing. This tournament is serious business. The conditions are perfect, but our focus is 100% football.”

Even with limited preparation time and just one friendly match before kickoff, Ngoma is confident in his squad’s readiness:

“Our first goal is to reach the quarterfinals. We want to forget what happened in Algeria and chase our third CHAN title.”

The two teams have met seven times in the past, with Kenya winning two of their most recent friendlies (2016 and 2017) and drawing 1-1 in their 2019 encounter in Spain.

But this time, the stakes are much higher. It's not just a friendly—it's a do-or-die tournament match, played in front of a sold-out crowd of 60,000 fans at Kasarani. The atmosphere in Nairobi is electric, and anticipation is at fever pitch.

DR Congo, known for their physicality and tactical structure, will be aiming to silence the home crowd and impose their tempo on the game.

Following their opener against DR Congo, Kenya faces Angola on August 7, Morocco on August 10, and concludes the group stage against Zambia on August 17.

With top-class opponents like Morocco, Angola, and Zambia in the mix, there’s zero room for error. A win in the opening match could be the key that unlocks the door to the quarterfinals for either side.