- Kenya vs Angola played to a 1-1 draw in a packed Kasarani Stadium on Thursday.
- Austine Odhiambo scored his second goal in the tournament to equalize before Kenya was reduced to 10 men following Marvin Nabwire’s red card in the 21st minute.
- VAR cancelled out a late goal for Angola to rescue a point for the hosts.
Ten-man Harambee Stars defied the odds to hold a commanding Angola side to a 1-1 draw in their Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Group A fixture played at a packed Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani on Thursday evening.
Harambee Stars’ resilience was epitomized by Austine Odhiambo’s coolly taken penalty which leveled the game just 12 minutes in, shortly after Cristovao Paciencia had given the Antelope Sables the lead.
Despite Angola’s overwhelming control of possession, they were unable to breach Kenya’s disciplined backline any further.
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As a result, Benni McCarthy’s charges now top Group A with four points, ahead of DR Congo and Morocco, who sit in second and third place respectively with three points each.
Morocco, however, still have a game in hand. Angola remain fourth with a single point, while Zambia sit at the bottom of the table as they are yet to register a win.
In addition to securing a potentially vital point that could prove decisive in their quest for group stage qualification, each Harambee Stars player along with the technical staff, will receive a draw bonus of KSh 500,000, as promised by President William Ruto.
Hosts reduced to 10 men in Kenya vs Angola game
Under the floodlights and in front of a charged crowd of 46,520, Angola threatened early, with Paciência firing wide from the edge of the box just two minutes into the game.
They continued to press and came close again when Bryne Omondi was forced into an early punch, but still, the visitors couldn’t convert their pressure into a second goal.
Angola finally capitalized on their early pressure in the fifth minute. Paciencia struck brilliantly after a precise delivery from Tomas Bernabe who outmanoeuvred Aboud Omar on the right left wing to set up the goal.
Kenya responded just three minutes later with a counterattack.
Edward Omondi found Odhiambo in the box but the Gor Mahia man was brought down. Initially, the referee waved play on, but after a VAR review, Sadou Ali awarded the penalty. Odhiambo confidently sent Adilson De Cruz the wrong way, leveling the score.
However, Kenya’s fortunes took a turn in the 20th minute when Marvin Nabwire received a red card.
Initially booked for a reckless challenge on Alberto Miguel, the decision was upgraded to a sending-off after VAR consultation disrupting coach McCarthy’s game plan.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Kenya’s defense held firm. Bryne Omondi redeemed himself with a crucial save from Afonso Marques, maintaining parity and keeping the Antelope Sables at bay.
The Stars impressively maintained their defensive discipline throughout the first half, limiting Angola’s opportunities and ensuring the teams went into the break tied 1-1.
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Tactical genius: Benni McCarthy’s second-half adjustments steal the spotlight
Coach McCarthy made a tactical switch at halftime, withdrawing attacking winger Boniface Muchiri for Michael Kibwage to reinforce the backline.
Omondi was called into action again in the 49th minute, diving full stretch to deny Paciencia a second goal.
Ten minutes later, Sylvester Owino produced a goal-line clearance that further frustrated the Angolan attackers, who continued to press and exploit their numerical advantage.
In the 63rd minute, McCarthy introduced fresh legs, bringing off Alpha Onyango who had put in a standout performance, for Crispine Erambo. Odhiambo was also replaced by Ryan Ogam.
Kenya almost stole the lead through a rapid counterattack led by substitute Erambo whose run was promising, but his shot was deflected, denying the Stars a famous goal. The resulting corner was fruitless.
Kevin Okumu and Ben Stanley Omondi were then introduced, replacing Omondi and Daniel Sakari as McCarthy seemingly looked to preserve the draw.
Late drama unfolded as Harambee Stars launched another counter, but it was intercepted.
Angola quickly transitioned and scored what looked like a last-gasp winner through Joao Chingando who headed home from close range.
Celebrations were cut short, however, as VAR disallowed the goal due to Chingando being in an offside position.
The match ended 1-1, with both teams sharing the spoils after a thrilling and dramatic encounter.
Harambee Stars, now topping Group A with four points, will enjoy a two-day rest before facing continental giants Morocco on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Angola will have an opportunity to turn their fortunes around as they take on winless Zambia on the same day.
CHAN 2024: Kenya vs Angola starting lineups
Harambee Stars
Bryne Omondi, Daniel Sakari, Aboud Omar, Silvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Manzur Okwaro Suleiman, Alpha Onyango, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo, Edward Omondi, Boniface Muchiri
Antelope Sables
Adilson Cipriano, Antonio Chitanga, Alberto Campos, Marcos Cunga, Miguel Vieira, Afonso Marques, Joao Muanha, Victor Pedro, Cristovao Paciencia, Marco Melo, Tomas Bernabe