Kenya’s Harambee Stars were held to a 1–1 draw by Angola in a tightly contested CHAN group A match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
This is after Angola’s stoppage time goal was disallowed. The goal was ruled out for offside.
Joao Chingando had strayed offside.
A big 1-1 draw maintains Kenya’s unbeaten run in their maiden African Nations Championships (CHAN) outing.
After two games, Harambee Stars are on 4 points, and retake the lead in Group A.
The national team went into the break level with Angola at 1–1.
7:45 PM: Kenya 1- 1 Angola.
7:21 PM: Marvin Omondi Nabwire has been shown a straight red card in the 21st minute, reducing Kenya to 10 men during their clash against Angola at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Nabwire was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity with a defensive foul. He was initially shown a yellow card; however, VAR review overturned an earlier yellow card decision.
7:12 PM: Kenya claws their way back into the game with a crucial equalizer against Angola.
Kenya midfielder Austin Odhiambo converted a penalty in the 12th minute to equalize for Kenya against Angola.
7:10PM: Kenya gets a penalty.
7:07PM: Angola takes the lead against Harambee Stars at the Kasarani Stadium. Joao Paciencia gave Angola an early lead in the 7th minute.
That means that each player will receive Ksh 500,000 after President William Ruto pledged for each draw match.
Kenya VS Angola 1st Half Stats
Angola dominated the match statistically against Kenya during the 1st half, registering a total of 11 shots compared to Kenya’s single attempt, which was also their only shot on target.
Angola managed 2 shots on target, maintaining offensive pressure throughout the 1st half. Possession heavily favored the Angolan side at 66%, while Kenya managed just 34%.
This comes after Kenya’s head coach, Benni McCarthy urged his players to remain focused and keep their eyes on the prize
The former South Africa international acknowledged that Angola is a possession-oriented team but said his main concern is how to break through their defence.
“I don’t care even if we have 30 or 40 percent possession. What matters to me is that we’re able to get the win from that match. We saw against Morocco — Angola had almost 60 percent possession — but at the end of the day, it’s the scoreline that matters,” he added.
Despite the wave of optimism and confidence following the victory, McCarthy insisted that nothing had been achieved yet.
“Nothing is done yet. That was just one win — an important one — but we have to remain focused. We faced a very tough opponent and worked hard to get that result, but we shouldn’t let it get into our heads,” McCarthy said.
“The focus now shifts squarely to Angola and the ambition is the same — go in and fight for maximum points.”
Also Read: CHAN 2024: How to Purchase Tickets for All Fixtures and Prices
Angola and Kenya First Matches Results
Harambee Stars began their debut campaign at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Sunday, August 3, with a stern test against DR Congo in their Group A opener.
Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo slipped but landed in riches and history after slicing the ball into the net with his left foot at the stroke of halftime.
Kenya also maintained their defensive solidity after keeping a clean sheet in the opener, thanks in part to the efforts of Alphonse Omija, who made a game-high six clearances.
However, Kenya faced a setback when key striker Masoud Juma was ruled out of the Angola clash due to injury.
McCarthy confirmed that the Migori Youth FC forward sustained a knock during the win over DR Congo and remains doubtful for the next match.
Juma had been instrumental in the opener, operating as a target man whose intelligent movement created space for attackers Ryan Ogam, David Sakwa, and Austin Odhiambo to exploit.
Also Read: CHAN 2024: Fixtures, Scores, Group Standings, Finals and Tickets
On the other side, Angola came into the match desperate for a response after a 2–0 loss to Morocco. Head coach Pedro Gonçalves acknowledged the difficulty of facing Kenya on home soil.
“We saw in the first game that the stadium was full, and they enjoyed a lot of support. That definitely gives them a good advantage,” Gonçalves admitted.
“They are a very good team, with athletic and quick players, so we’re going to face a side that is twice as hard to beat. But we know what is required of us and we know what we need to do. We have to try and bounce back from the opening day disappointment.”
Kenya qualified for CHAN 2024 as one of three co-hosting nations, marking their historic debut in the competition.
The national team is determined to make a strong statement on home turf and showcase its progress on the continental stage.
Anticipation for the match had reached fever pitch by midweek, with tickets for the 7:00 p.m. kickoff selling out by Tuesday morning as fans scrambled to be part of what could be another defining moment for Kenyan football.
| No. | Player Name | Position |
| 23 | Byrne Omondi | GK |
| 3 | Abud Omar Khamis Abud (C) | DF |
| 5 | Alphonse Otieno Omija | DF |
| 6 | Edward Omondi Otieno | FW |
| 8 | Alpha Chris Onyango | MF |
| 10 | Austine Odhiambo Otieno | MF |
| 11 | Bonface Muchiri | MF |
| 20 | Manzur Okwaro Suleiman | DF |
| 21 | Marvin Omondi Nabwire | X |
| 24 | Daniel Sakari Macheso | X |
| 25 | Sylvester Owino Ahono | DF |
Substitutes:
- Shikhalo Faruk
- Mohammed Siraji
- Mike Evans Kibwage
- Bryan Migiro
- Austine Odongo
- Chrispine Erambo Otieno
- Lewis Bandi
- Felix Oluoch
- Ryan Wesley Rabok Ogam
- Ben Stanley Omondi
- David Sakwa Nyongesa
- Kevin Okumu
Group A Second Match Results
Morocco began their quest for a third TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) title with a solid 2-0 victory over Angola in the Group A opener.
Zambia’s 2024 CHAN campaign got off to a disappointing start as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo in their Group A opener.
The match, played at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, saw DR Congo bounce back to claim their first points of the tournament after losing to Kenya in their opening game.
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