CHAN 2024: Why McCarthy was full of praises for VAR after hard-fought Angola draw
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 08.08.25. | 20:54
The centre referee Saduo Brahamou was invited to the pitch side monitor three times in the match staged at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday night
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has showered praise on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system following Kenya’s dramatic 1-1 draw against Angola, declaring it “the best thing in Kenya”.
The centre referee Saduo Brahamou was invited to the pitch side monitor three times in the match staged at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday night.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Speaking after the match, the South African tactician expressed admiration for the accuracy and influence of VAR, which intervened at key moments that ultimately shaped the outcome of the match.
"VAR is the best thing in Kenya. It was amazing how many key decisions it helped make. At first, I was upset my player did not take the shot. But after watching the replay, I had to apologise.
The penalty call was right, for Nabwire's red card was arguable, but denying a goal-scoring opportunity was clearly a red card offence, and I can not fault the centre referee for the call; it was well in order. For the offside decision at the end was simply excellent," said McCarthy.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with Angola drawing first blood in the 6th minute through Joaquim Paciencia.
However, Kenya responded swiftly.
Just two minutes later, VAR summoned the center referee after Austin Odhiambo was tripped down inside the six-yard box by Alberto Campos.
Following a lengthy review, Brahamou overturned his initial call and awarded Kenya a penalty, which Odhiambo confidently converted in the 10th minute to restore parity.
But the tide turned again in the 18th minute when midfielder Marvin Nabwire was shown a straight red card after a VAR intervention.
Initially cautioned for a foul on Deivi Viera at the edge of the penalty area, the decision was upgraded to red after a replay confirmed the Kenya Police man had denied a clear goal-scoring opportunion, as he attempted to pick up on Bryne Omondi's pass.
With Kenya reduced to ten men for over 75 minutes, the team was forced to dig deep, relying on structure, determination, and counter-attacks to keep a technically superior Angolan side at bay.
Just as Angola thought they had snatched a dramatic late victory through Aguinaldo Matias, who headed in a cross from Antonio Hossi in stoppage time, VAR stepped in once more.
After another lengthy review, Matias’s goal was disallowed for offside in the build-up to the goal, preserving Kenya’s hard-earned point and sparking relief across the home crowd.
McCarthy commended his side’s fighting spirit and mental strength, highlighting their discipline in difficult circumstances.
"Playing almost the entire match with ten men is never easy, especially against a strong and organised Angola side. But the players’ mentality and attitude were exceptional. To walk away with a point under those conditions is something we are very proud of,” he said.
The draw lifted Kenya to the top of Group A with four points, while Angola remained winless and fourth in the standings.
Kenya now shifts focus to a crucial tie against tournament favourites Morocco on Sunday, 10 August, at Kasarani Stadium, where victory will steer the Harambee Stars closer to a historic quarter-finals berth in their maiden appearance in the CHAN championship.
