- The Angola vs Kenya clash ended in a 1-1 stalemate on Thursday, August 7.
- The encounter was hosted at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
- Austin Odhiambo’s clinical penalty leveled the scores, nullifying Cristovao Paciencia’s early opener.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy showcased tactical brilliance as Kenya’s 10-man squad played nearly 70 minutes a man down to hold a dominant Angola side to a 1-1 draw in a match staged at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday evening.
Austin Odhiambo’s equalizer from the spot, canceling out Cristovao Paciencia’s opener, might have yielded a different outcome had Kenya not displayed resilience after Nabwire’s red card.
The hosts initially appeared nervy, conceding sloppy errors in the opening 15 minutes, but McCarthy’s men regrouped admirably under pressure.
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As a result, the crucial point sees Kenya top Group A after two matches with four points and two remaining fixtures.
A single victory in their remaining fixtures could secure progression to the knockout stage, particularly if DR Congo and Morocco falter in this fiercely contested group.
Having survived that scare, McCarthy tactically adopted a defensive approach for the remainder of the match, relying on swift counterattacks.
SportPesa Blog analyzes the individual performances of the players in their CHAN 2024 second fixture at a packed Kasarani stadium.
ALSO READ: CHAN 2024: Late VAR intervention rescues 10-man Harambee Stars in gritty draw against Angola
Angola vs Kenya: Harambee Stars player ratings
Byrne Omondi 6/10
The Bandari FC goalkeeper appeared nervous and anxious during the opening fifteen minutes.
One such error indirectly led to Marvin Nabwire’s dismissal, when a poor pass under pressure forced Nabwire into a foul.
However, Omondi quickly rose to the occasion, pulling off crucial saves that denied Angola clear opportunities and helped withstand the defensive pressure.
Aboud Omar 5/10
Started the match in a tense manner.
Angola’s goal originated from his left wing, where Tomas Bernabe outmaneuvered him before delivering a cross to Paciencia who finished decisively.
Perhaps Omar could have anticipated or tackled more effectively to disrupt the attack.
Nevertheless, he regained composure shortly after and attempted to launch long passes forward, though Muchiri and Ogam, introduced in the second half, were unable to capitalize.
Daniel Sakari 6/10
Omar’s teammate at Police FC and operating as right-back, Sakari was resolute this time, thwarting Angola’s repeated attacks down his side.
After McCarthy deployed a back five, Sakari adapted well, especially in the minutes before his substitution, showcasing commendable defensive awareness.
Sylvester Owino 7/10
Arguably the third standout performer after Odhiambo and Omija as he made two crucial goal-line clearances that preserved the draw.
The Gor Mahia defender truly rose to the occasion in Thursday’s encounter.
Alphonce Omija 8/10
Calm and composed, Omija was effective in his tackles and defensive duties. He also excelled in transitioning swiftly between defense and counterattack, ensuring he contributed dynamically throughout the match.
Manzur Okwaro 6/10
While not as influential as in the opening game, the Rising Stars midfielder still demonstrated his value with timely defensive tackles.
Though quiet in the first half, he became more prominent after the break.
Alpha Onyango 6/10
Played 60 minutes. Despite being named man of the match in the DR Congo encounter, Onyango struggled to influence this fixture. McCarthy’s defensive strategy limited his opportunities, and with minimal support upfront, his impact was curtailed. Perhaps with a full squad, he could have delivered a masterclass performance.
Edward Ondimo Omondi 5/10
The new Kenya Police recruit faced a challenging debut in CHAN 2024, appearing nervous initially and struggling to maintain possession on the right wing.
However, he delivered several important crosses, notably the one that led to the penalty converted by Odhiambo.
Boniface Muchiri 5/10
Featured for 45 minutes and struggled to receive service on the left wing after Nabwire’s dismissal, as Angola’s defense effectively cut off supply lines.
Austin Odhiambo 8/10
Any coach would relish having a player with such clinical composure.
Odhiambo was the hero again, winning and converting a penalty for his second goal of the tournament, firmly placing himself among the golden boot contenders.
Marvin Nabwire 3/10
The tournament has not been kind to Nabwire. Following a yellow card in the opener against DR Congo, he was harshly sent off just 21 minutes into this match.
Nonetheless, his departure seemed to galvanize the team, who rallied to secure a valuable point.
McCarthy’s super-subs shine in the defense
Meanwhile, Mike Kibwage, Ben Stanley, Ryan Ogam, Crispine Eramboa, and Kevin Okumu, brought on to stabilize the defense, executed their roles admirably.
Ogam even contributed to counterattacks, and Stanley nearly became the hero with a late chance, although he narrowly missed.
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: Angola vs Kenya 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