10-man Harambee Stars battle to a 1-1 draw in CHAN thriller
As full time approached, Angola thought they had snatched victory with a diving header deep into stoppage time. However, the goal was ruled out by VAR, preserving the 1-1 scoreline.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars played out a dramatic 1-1 draw against Angola in their second Group A match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at a packed Nyayo National Stadium, with 46,520 fans in attendance.
Angola, looking to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Morocco, came out firing with three dangerous chances inside the first five minutes.
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Their early pressure paid off in the 7th minute when Joaquim Paciencia capitalised on a defensive lapse to give Angola the lead.
Kenya responded swiftly. Austine Odhiambo, the hero from the DR Congo match, won a penalty in the 12th minute after being played through by Edward Ondimo. Following a VAR review, Odhiambo stepped up and confidently converted to level the score.
However, the game tilted moments later when Marvin Nabwire was shown a straight red card in the 18th minute for a foul just outside the box.
Angola threatened again from the resulting free kick but couldn't restore their lead.
Despite being a man down, Harambee Stars held firm. Head coach Benni McCarthy made defensive changes, bringing on Mike Kibwage for Boniface Muchiri early in the second half.
Angola pushed relentlessly, but the defensive quartet of Daniel Sakari, Alphonse Omija, Mike Kibwage, and Sylvester Owino stood strong, especially during a spell of back-to-back corners in the 58th minute.
Substitutions continued to shape the game with Ogam Ryan and Chrispine Erambo entering the fray.
Chrispine nearly made it 2-1 in the 71st minute after a well-timed run, but his effort was blocked. Angola nearly punished Kenya at the other end just two minutes later, but goalkeeper Bryne Omondi once again proved why he remains Benni McCarthy’s trusted number one.
As full time approached, Angola thought they had snatched victory with a diving header deep into stoppage time.
However, the goal was ruled out by VAR, preserving the 1-1 scoreline.
The Harambee Stars showed incredible grit to hold their ground with ten men, extending their unbeaten start in the tournament.
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