Kenya Hold Angola to Draw Despite Early Red Card
Drama unfolded in the 21st minute. Kenyan midfielder Marvin Nabwire was initially booked with a yellow card for a foul outside the box.
Kenya responded quickly. Just five minutes later, Austin Odhiambo netted from the spot after VAR confirmed that Mafuta had fouled him inside the box .Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Harambee Stars battled for close to 80 minutes with 10 men to draw 1-1 with Angola in a tempestuous African Nations Championship game on Thursday night at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The visitors, Palancas Negras, started on the front foot. In the 7th minute, Bernabe Muafulo Tomas pressed down the right wing, won possession, and laid off Paciencia, who scored past the Kenyan goalie to take a 1-0 lead.
Kenya responded quickly. Just five minutes later, Austin Odhiambo netted from the spot after VAR confirmed that Mafuta had fouled him inside the box. The goal reignited the crowd and shifted momentum.
Drama unfolded in the 21st minute. Kenyan midfielder Marvin Nabwire was initially booked with a yellow card for a foul outside the box. The referee, after VAR review, upgraded it to red, and Kenya was reduced to 10 players for the rest of the match.
Angola attacked relentlessly, cutting out several chances. Harambee Stars, however, defended deep and compact, to the frustration of their opponents. Tension was brought to a boiling point in added time when Kaporal headed the ball into the net for Angola. They were thwarted in their celebrations when VAR ruled out the goal for offside.
The final whistle was a relief to the Kenyan side, who had labored hard to protect the draw. The point was vital in their Group A campaign.
Kenya now lead the group with four points from two matches. Morocco and DR Congo are second and third on three points each, while Angola remain at the foot of the table with a point.
Attention turns to Sunday’s match, where Harambee Stars face two-time champions Morocco at Kasarani. The tie shapes up as a tough examination of Kenya’s knockout stage aspirations.
For head coach and fans, the performance showed determination, discipline, and resilience. With a man down, the team still kept their shape and even refused to give up. The VAR rulings — one in Kenya’s favor and one against them — added layers of drama to a match that was already intensity-filled.
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