Ten-Man Harambee Stars Battle to Heroic Draw with Angola in CHAN Thriller, VAR in the Spotlight

NAIROBI, Kenya - A ten-man Harambee Stars put up a dogged and heroic performance to secure a vital 1-1 draw against a formidable Angolan side in a dramatic Group A encounter of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday evening. The match, which saw a red card, a penalty, and a last-gasp disallowed goal, has left Kenyan fans buzzing with a renewed sense of belief in their national team.

The game exploded into life in the opening minutes, with Angola's Palancas Negras silencing the vibrant home crowd when Jo Paciencia found the back of the net in the 7th minute. However, the Harambee Stars, spurred on by the passionate home support, responded with immediate intensity. Just five minutes later, midfield maestro Austin Odhiambo was brought down in the box, and after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Odhiambo coolly stepped up to convert the spot-kick, sending the Kasarani stadium into a frenzy and drawing Kenya level.

The turning point of the match arrived in the 21st minute when Kenyan midfielder Marvin Omondi Nabwire was shown a red card for a last-man tackle, a decision that was upgraded from a yellow card after another VAR intervention. Reduced to ten men, it seemed like an uphill battle for the Harambee Stars. However, what followed was a display of tactical discipline, unwavering resilience, and sheer grit that will be remembered by Kenyan football fans for a long time.

For the remaining 70 minutes, the Harambee Stars, under the astute guidance of coach Benni McCarthy, defended with their lives. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi was a colossus between the sticks, pulling off a series of spectacular saves to deny the Angolans. The defense, marshaled by the experienced Alphonse Omija and his Gor Mahia counterpart Sylvester 'Sili Sili' Owino, stood firm against wave after wave of Angolan attacks.

The drama reached its peak in stoppage time when Angola's substitute, Kaporal, bundled the ball into the net, seemingly snatching a last-minute winner. The Angolan players and bench erupted in celebration, while a stunned silence fell over Kasarani. But once again, VAR came to Kenya's rescue. After a tense review, the goal was disallowed for offside, and the final whistle blew shortly after, sparking scenes of jubilation among the Kenyan players and fans.

The heroic draw has not only kept Kenya's unbeaten run in the tournament intact but also solidified their position at the top of Group A with four points, following their opening 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo. The performance had also been handsomely rewarded. Following the win against DRC, President William Ruto awarded each player and member of the technical bench with KSh 1 million. For this hard-fought draw, the team is set to receive a further KSh 500,000 each, a testament to the government's commitment to supporting the national team.

Speaking after the match, a visibly proud Benni McCarthy praised his team's character and fighting spirit. The South African tactician, who has instilled a new sense of belief in the Harambee Stars since his appointment in March 2025, hailed his players' ability to hold their own against a top side despite the numerical disadvantage.

With this result, the Harambee Stars have sent a strong message to their rivals in the tournament. The team's blend of youthful exuberance and tactical maturity, coupled with the unwavering support of the "12th man" in the stands, has made them a force to be reckoned with. As they prepare for their next match, the dream of CHAN glory on home soil is very much alive.

Visit Flashscore for Live Football Scores