Kenya’s Harambee Stars produced a spirited performance to earn a 1-1 draw against Angola in their second African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Group A match, powered by the passion of a full Kasarani Stadium.
The encounter, watched by 46,520 fans, tested Kenya’s resolve after playing with 10 men for over an hour. The home side fell behind early when Jo Paciencia converted from a sweeping move down the right. Just five minutes later, Austin Odhiambo levelled from the penalty spot after being fouled by Afonso Marques.
Kenya’s task became more daunting midway through the first half when Marvin Nabwire received a red card for a foul on Alem. Despite being a man down, the Harambee Stars held their defensive shape, relying on quick counterattacks to trouble the visitors.
The atmosphere inside the stadium played a crucial role in lifting the team’s spirits. Waves of noise, chants, and Mexican waves carried the players through difficult spells when Angola controlled possession. The crowd’s energy kept the players battling until the final whistle.
Late drama struck deep into stoppage time. Angola thought they had secured all three points when Joao Manha headed home, sparking wild celebrations from the visiting bench. However, VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for offside. The decision reignited the stadium, turning despair into relief for the home fans and players.
Kenya’s head coach praised the team’s grit, highlighting how no one had expected them to compete toe-to-toe with Angola while a man down. He admitted that Angola dominated possession but rarely created clear chances, while Kenya had opportunities to snatch a winner through their counterattacks.
A costly late mistake almost undid the team’s efforts, allowing Angola to break and score what looked like the winning goal before technology stepped in. The coach acknowledged the heartbreak of that moment, noting the collective drop in energy from the players and supporters before VAR restored hope.
In the end, the draw felt like a moral victory for Kenya. It was a night where the 12th man truly made the difference, and the unity between players and fans turned adversity into a point that could prove crucial for CHAN 2024 progression.
