CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars steal draw from jaws of defeat to go top of Group A

Ten-man Harambee Stars displayed immense grit and character to hold Angola to a 1-1 draw in a high-stakes Group A clash at the Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Austin Odhiambo’s composed penalty in the 10th minute cancelled out Joaquim Paciencia’s early opener for Angola, earning Kenya a crucial point despite being reduced to ten men midway through the first half.

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The result sees Kenya maintain top spot in Group A with four points after two matches, while Angola sit third with a single point. The draw also sees the national team claim Ksh 500,000 from President William Ruto’s promise of Ksh 1 million for every win, and Ksh 500,000 for a draw.

LIVE BLOG: Brave Harambee Stars force draw against Angola despite being down to 10-men

Match Report

Angola made a fast and aggressive start, taking the lead just six minutes in.

A slick move down the left flank saw Eddie Afonso cut the ball back to Paciencia, who shrugged off captain Aboud Omar before coolly slotting past goalkeeper Bryne Omondi.

Kenya, however, responded with maturity and urgency.

Four minutes later, Austin Odhiambo was brought down in the box by Angolan defender Alberto Campos. Following a VAR review, referee Saduo Brahamuo pointed to the spot, and Odhiambo confidently converted the penalty to level the score at 1-1.

Just as Kenya appeared to settle, disaster struck in the 18th minute.

Marvin Nabwire was initially shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Deivi Viera, but a VAR review upgraded it to red. The Kenya Police midfielder was sent off for a reckless tackle just outside the penalty area, leaving Kenya with a numerical disadvantage for the rest of the match.

Angola seized control of the tempo after the red card, pushing forward with intent.

Paciencia nearly bagged a brace in the 22nd minute, heading just wide from a dangerous Viera delivery.

Despite their disadvantage, Harambee Stars remained organized at the back.

Angola continued to create chances with Miguel Viera testing Omondi, and Antonio Da Silva forcing a desperate clearance from Kenya’s backline.

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Kenya nearly found a breakthrough before the break but Daniel Sakari’s overlapping run and dangerous cross was well-defended, while Odhiambo had another close chance denied by a last-ditch tackle from Antonio Da Silva.

At halftime, both sides made adjustments.

Angola introduced Anderson Cruiz to add attacking flair, while Kenya coach Benni McCarthy brought in Michael Kibwage to solidify the defence.

Angola continued to pile on pressure, with The Bravos do Maquis forward Paciencia coming close again after meeting a teasing cross from Antonio Hossi. Omondi, however, stood tall, making a vital save to deny a second goal.

Omondi’s commanding presence in goal, coupled with solid defending from Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino kept Kenya in the game.

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Owino’s goal-line clearance in the 63rd minute was especially crucial, denying Victor Pedro from close range.

In a bid to spark a counter-attacking threat, McCarthy introduced Tusker duo Chris Erambo and Ryan Ogam, later followed by Ben Stanley and debutant Kevin Okumu.

Erambo came close in the 70th minute after a neat link-up with Ogam, but his left-footed shot was blocked inside the box.

Angola responded with a flurry of attacks but were met by a disciplined Kenyan defence.

In the dying minutes, Angola thought they had won it when Joao Manha turned in a low cross from Hossi, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check as both settled for a point apiece.