2024 Chan: Ten-man Harambee Stars draw Group ‘A’ match with Angola

Angola thought they had scored the winner in time added on but center referee Nigerian Sadou Ali Brahamou cancelled Joao Chigando Manha’s header after a VAR review for offside.

That decision was greeted with cheers by thousands of enthusiastic home supporters who were elated to see Harambee Stars secure appoint, having played more than 70 minutes with 10 men. 

Harambee Stars midfielder Marvin Nabwire was sent off in the 21st minute following a dangerous tackle on an Angolan opponent.

Earlier in the first-half, Angola took the lead in the seventh minute through dreadlocked, burly forward Joaquim Jo Cristovao Paciencia. However, Kenya equalised through attacking midfielder Austine Odhiambo from the spot in the 12th minute.

In their group opening match on Sunday at the same venue, Kenya defeated 2009 and 2016 champions, the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0. Odhiambo scored Kenya’s winner in the match.

On the other hand, Angola lost 2-0 to the two-time winners Morocco in their opening group match on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium.

Apart from striker Masud Juma, who was sidelined from the Angola clash with an injury, forwards Ryan Ogam, and David Sakwa are the players who did not retain their places in the squad after starting against DRC.

The new faces in the starting lineup were midfielder Nabwire and forward Edward Omondi. Omondi, 22, made his national debut. Boniface Muchiri also retained his position in starting squad after coming in as a substitute for Juma in the match against DRC.

Thanks to Fifa rankings, Angola headed into the contest as favourites as they rank ahead at position 87th while Kenya lie 111th.

Previously, Kenya, and Angola had met four times, with either nation winning twice. The other two matches ended in losses. All the meetings were in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The last match between the two teams was on June 5, 2011, when Angola defeated touring Kenya 1-0. Just before the kick-off on Thursday evening, the enthusiastic crowd at Kasarani Stadium shouted “one million” in reference to the amount of money President Ruto had promised each member of the team if they win the match.

The fans also lit torches on their phones, creating a scene to behold inside the stadium.

Angola piled pressure high from the kick-off, their efforts paying off in the seventh minute when unmarked Paciencia slotted home easily from close-range.

The forward had connected to a weighty Bernabe Tomas’ cross from the right. However, just six minutes later, talisman Odhiambo sent the home supporters into wild celebrations after he drew Kenya level from the spot.

Center referee Brahamou awarded Kenya a penalty following a VAR review after Odhiambo was fouled inside the box by Afonso Marques. 

It was the second match in a row in the tournament that Kenya benefitted from VAR review. Earlier on Sunday, DR Congo’s early opener against the hosts was canceled after a VAR review.

Harambee Stars suffered a major blow on 21 minutes when Nabwire was red-carded thanks to a VAR review. He was guilty of committing a dangerous tackle on the Angolan players.

Angola did not capitalise on their numerical advantage to restore their lead before halftime.

Odhiambo had a golden opportunity to add a second for the host in added minute of the first-half but he was let down by his first touch of Muchiri’s pass. 

In what was the first substitution of the match, Kenya’s coach Benni McCarthy made a tactical the change at the restart, with defender Michael Kibwage coming in for Muchiri. 

Six minutes into the second half, Kenya’s goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo made a timely save, denying Paciencia from close range - the goalkeeper needing medical attention as a result of the contact with the burly forward.

Angola made their first change at the hour-mark, Joao Chingando Manha replacing Eddie Marcos.

Kenya responded three minutes later with a double change, Ogam and Chrispine Erambo replacing Austine and Alpha Onyango respectively. 

As Austine left the pitch, the fans shouted his name in appreciation.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Harambee Stars did not shy away from pushing forward in search for the winning goal, the enthusiastic fans cheering them loudly at every move.

Erambo had a chance to give Kenya the lead on 70 minutes after dribbling well on the left but his powerful shot was blocked by an Angolan defender. Kenya’s next match is against Morocco on Sunday at the same venue while Angola will face Zambia at Nyayo National Stadium the same day.