Kenya Hold Angola to a 1-1 Draw in CHAN Qualifier Clash

Kenya’s Harambee Stars fought gallantly to hold Angola to a 1-1 draw in a fiery CHAN 2025 qualifier played at the moi international sports center, Kasarani

The game exploded into life early, with Angola taking the lead in the 7th minute courtesy of a fine finish by forward Augusto Carneiro following a defensive lapse by Kenya. The early blow sparked an immediate response from the visitors.

In the 12th minute, Kenya earned a penalty after a clumsy foul on Enock Wanyama. Captain Kenneth Muguna coolly slotted the ball past Angola’s goalkeeper to level the scoreline 1-1.

Harambee Stars celebrate Muguna’s equalizer during the CHAN qualifier in Kasarani. Photo: FKF

Drama Unfolds: Red Card for Kenya

The momentum swung again in the 21st minute when Kenyan midfielder Marvin Nabwire received a straight red card for a reckless tackle, forcing the visitors to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.

Read also:Austin Odhiambo Shines as Harambee Stars Edge DR Congo in CHAN 2024 Opener

Despite being a man down, Kenya remained compact and disciplined, frustrating Angola with a well-organized defensive block led by Johnstone Omurwa and Collins Sichenje.

First Half Stats

• Possession: Angola 67% – Kenya 33%
• Shots: Angola 9 – Kenya 2
• Fouls: Kenya 8 – Angola 3
• Red Cards: Kenya 1 – Angola 0

Second Half: No Goals, But Plenty of Tension

Both teams pressed for a winner in the second half, with Angola increasing pressure through winger Gaspar Filipe. However, Kenya’s goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo pulled off several crucial saves to deny the hosts.

Despite several promising breaks, especially from substitute Timothy Ouma, Kenya couldn’t find the back of the net again. Angola, too, were wasteful in the final third, letting the visitors off the hook.

Coach Reactions

Benni McCarthy, Harambee Stars’ head coach, praised his team’s resilience:

“It was a hard-fought draw. Going down to 10 men so early was tough, but the boys showed character. We’ll take this point and prepare better for the return leg in Nairobi.”

Pedro Gonçalves, Angola’s coach, expressed frustration:

“We had the game in our hands but failed to convert our chances. Credit to Kenya for defending well. We must finish our job in the second leg.”

Lineups

Kenya XI: Bryne Odhiambo, Omurwa, Sichenje, Owino, Nabwire, Muguna (c), Wanyama, Miheso, Kahata, Masoud Juma (injured), Ayub Timbe.

Angola XI: Carlos Domingos, Joaquim, Filipe, Carneiro, Edmilson, Pedro, Jerson, Luamba, Gaspar, Gonçalves, Luvumbo.

Injury Update

Kenya’s striker Masoud Juma was substituted in the 35th minute after sustaining a hamstring strain. He is expected to undergo scans ahead of the return leg.

Next Fixture

The return leg will be played in Nairobi next Thursday at Nyayo Stadium. Kenya will need at least a clean win to qualify for the CHAN 2025 finals in Algeria.

For more CHAN coverage and Harambee Stars updates, visit KenyaNews.co.ke.