Benni McCarthy's Kenya started their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Sunday afternoon.
McCarthy had already suffered a couple big blows before the tournament got underway, as he lost the services of star striker Emmanuel Osoro, who left Kenyan top-flight to join Zambian giants Power Dynamos.
The Harambee Stars players were also given some big incentives by Kenya President William Samoei Ruto, which included matches bonuses and an overall bonus of KSh60million (R8,3million) if they win the competition.
McCarthy's men had to wait until the 29th minute for their first opening in the 29th minute when Masud Juma combined with Austin Odhiambo in the build up before failing to convert with only the Congolese goalkeeper to beat.
The first half proved to be a tight affair, but the Kenyans broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime through Odhiambo, who surged his way into the box before rifling the back of the net.
Congo responded with a double change at the start of the second half, with Lise Ntumba and Dieu Bisamuna making way for Helton Kayembe and Josou Kazema.
The Leopards were a better side after the halftime break as they went in search of an equalising goal, but they were struggling to put the ball on target as Kenya goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo Omondi barely had a save to make.
Coach McCarthy opted for a double change of his own for the 25 minutes of the contest by taking off Manzour Okwaro and Masud Juma for Marvin Nabwire and Boniface Muchiri as Congo continued to increase the pressure.
The changes seemed to do the trick as Kenya were able to see out the closing stages and claim their first-ever win at CHAN tournament.
