Ten-Man Kenya Hold Angola to 1-1 Draw in CHAN Showdown

• Aug 07, 2025

Kenya’s Harambee Stars fought bravely to secure a 1-1 draw against Angola in a thrilling Group A clash at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), played at a packed Nyayo National Stadium with 46,520 fans in attendance.

Angola, desperate to recover from their 2-0 defeat to Morocco, started the match on the front foot. Within the first five minutes, they created three dangerous chances and kept up the pressure on Kenya’s defence. Their efforts paid off early when Joaquim Paciencia pounced on a defensive error in the 7th minute to give Angola a 1-0 lead.

Kenya, however, responded quickly. In the 12th minute, Austine Odhiambo was brought down in the box after a clever pass from Edward Ondimo. After a VAR check, the referee awarded a penalty, and Odhiambo calmly slotted it in to level the score.

The momentum shifted again in the 18th minute when Kenya’s Marvin Nabwire was shown a straight red card for a foul just outside the penalty area. Angola came close from the resulting free kick, but the Kenyan defence managed to clear the danger.

Despite being reduced to ten men, the Harambee Stars stayed resilient. Head coach Benni McCarthy made tactical changes, bringing on Mike Kibwage for Boniface Muchiri to reinforce the defence. The Kenyan backline — Daniel Sakari, Alphonse Omija, Kibwage, and Sylvester Owino — worked tirelessly to keep the Angolan attackers at bay.

Angola dominated possession and forced a series of corners, particularly during a sustained spell in the 58th minute. But Kenya’s organisation and determination continued to frustrate them.

Late substitutes Ogam Ryan and Chrispine Erambo injected energy into the Kenyan attack. Erambo nearly scored in the 71st minute after a great run, but his effort was blocked. Angola responded with a quick counter, only for goalkeeper Bryne Omondi to make a crucial save and preserve the draw.

Angola thought they had won it in stoppage time with a diving header, but VAR ruled the goal out, confirming the final 1-1 scoreline.

Kenya’s gritty performance earned them a valuable point and kept their unbeaten run alive in the tournament.