Ever since Kenya shocked DR Congo with that sweet win, things have been feeling a little too exciting around Harambee Stars. But then came Angola.
On Thursday night at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani, Kenya and Angola played to a 1-1 draw in their second CHAN 2024 match. It was a tense game filled with early goals, a red card, and some big saves from goalkeeper Bryne Omondi.
Angola started strong in the first 5 minutes. They passed the ball quickly and kept pressing the Kenyan defence. A close shot from Victor Pedro nearly went in, but Omondi stayed alert. Alphonse Omija also made an important stop to keep Kenya in the game.
But in the 6th minute, Angola finally broke through. Joaquim Paciencia scored a goal after slipping past the defence. Omondi had no time to react. Angola were now ahead 1-0.
Harambee Stars needed a quick response. Austin Odhiambo made a good run toward goal and was fouled in the box. He then took the penalty and scored, making it 1-1 in the 12th minute.
Aboud Omar then fouled Alberto Miguel, but the referee didnβt give a card. A few minutes later, Bryne Omondi delayed clearing the ball, and Angola pressured hard. This led to Marvin Nabwire making a rough tackle. After a VAR check, the referee showed him a straight red card.
Kenya were now down to 10 players. Angola kept pushing, but Bryne Omondi made several good saves. In the 35th minute, he stopped a long-range shot from Albert Miguel. Another shot from Angola went wide.
Just before halftime, Boniface Muchiri passed to Austin Odhiambo, but Odhiambo lost control of the ball. The first half ended 1-1.
In the second half, Kenya coach Benni McCarthy brought on defender Mike Kibwage. Harambee Stars now had five defenders to help deal with Angolaβs strong attack.
Angola still looked dangerous, but Omondi made another big save early in the half. He picked up a small injury but continued playing.
Angola won a corner, but Daniel Sakari blocked the cross. Alberto Miguel took the corner, but it did not lead to a goal.
McCarthy made more changes. He removed Austin Odhiambo and Alpha Chris Onyango, and brought in Chrispine Erambo Otieno and Ryan Ogam in the 62nd minute.
Daniel Sakari then tried a long shot but missed. Chrispine Erambo also had a strong attempt that earned Kenya a corner. Sakari took the corner, but it didnβt help Kenya take the lead.
More changes came. Ben Stanley Omondi and Kevin Okumu replaced Daniel Sakari and Edward Otieno.
Angola brought in Vanilson Tita Zeu in the 84th minute as they looked for a late goal. Sylvester Owino had a chance for Kenya, but he hit the side netting.
Both teams kept pushing. Angola tried to break Kenyaβs defence, while Harambee Stars worked hard to stay organised. The fourth official added six minutes, but no team could score again.
Kenya now have 4 points from two matches. They beat DR Congo in their opener thanks to a first-half goal from Austin Odhiambo.
Featured image via Youtube Screengrab