CHAN: 10-man Kenya hang tough to claw point off Angola

Kenya overcame an early red card to draw Angola by a 1-1 score on Thursday evening at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi following their Group A clash at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Kenya and Gor Mahia star Austine Odhiambo won and converted a penalty kick to level the game in the 12th minute for the Harambee Stars, who got off to a poor start and had to focus on defending after Marvin Nabwire’s red card in the 21st minute.

It was a dream start for Angola, who were looking to bounce back from an opening match defeat to tournament favorites Morocco. The Palancas Negras seized the initiative from kickoff and were rewarded in the 7th minute. Winger Beni ran onto a ball played down the right wing and escaped two Kenyan defenders before setting up Jó Paciência for a routine finish.

But the response was swift from the Harambee Stars who quickly snapped awake and responded immediately. It was Odhiambo, the hero from the opening game victory over DR Congo, who provided the answer when he was taken down by a clumsy challenge from midfielder Mafuta just inside the Angola penalty area. After a VAR review, a penalty kick was awarded that Odhiambo dispatched with ease.

Joy quickly turned to concern for Kenyan supporters within the next ten minutes. Nervous play on the ball from Kenya goalkeeper Byrne Omondi resulted with a dangerous pass to the edge of his own penalty area. With Angola midfielder Além set to intercept the ball for a golden opportunity, he was fouled by Nabwire, who was sent off for denying a clear goal scoring chance after a VAR review.

Angola struggled to take advantage of their numerical advantage. The Palancas Negras were confined mostly to long range efforts by a resilient Kenyan defense and Omondi, whose performance improved after his mistake.

More ensued in the second half with one more moment of drama in the final moments of the game. Angola appeared to have a last gasp winner when Kaporal’s brilliant snap header beat Omondi in the final seconds of stoppage time. However, a final VAR review identified that Kaporal was just offsides and the Kasarani Stadium crowd erupted into cheers after the goal was disallowed to leave the result at 1-1.

Kenya will next face Group A favorites Morocco on Sunday while Angola take on Zambia, also on Sunday.