CHAN: Harambee Stars bag Ruto’s Ksh500K after draw against Angola
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 7, 2025Ten-man Harambee Stars held Angola to a dramatic 1-1 draw in a fiery Group A encounter at the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
The match had everything: goals, a red card, VAR controversy, and relentless energy from both sides as they chased a spot in the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Angola struck first in the seventh minute when striker Jó Paciência capitalised on a defensive lapse to calmly slot the ball past Kenya’s Byrne Odhiambo. The 29-year-old forward, formerly of Cape Town City, showed composure and precision to give Pedro Gonçalves’ side a dream start.
But Kenya responded swiftly. Just four minutes later, the referee pointed to the spot after a foul. Austin Odhiambo stepped up and confidently converted the penalty in the 11th minute, his second goal of the tournament, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The momentum seemed to be swinging in Kenya’s favour until the 21st minute, when midfielder Marvin Nabwire received a straight red card following a VAR review. Initially booked with a yellow for a reckless tackle on Angola’s Além, the decision was upgraded to a red, reducing Kenya to ten men for the rest of the match.
Stars dig deep again
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Harambee Stars remained organised and compact. Coach Benni McCarthy made tactical substitutions in the second half, bringing on Chrispine Erambo and Rambok Ogam to reinforce the midfield and attack.
Angola, enjoying over 68 per cent possession, pushed hard in the second half but were continually thwarted by goalkeeper Byrne Odhiambo, who made a string of superb saves to keep Kenya in the game.
The climax came in stoppage time. In the 96th minute, Angola thought they had scored the winner through a header from Kaporal. Celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled the goal out for offside, Kenya’s disciplined offside trap proving decisive.
With the result, Harambee Stars now sit on four points from two games, while Angola have earned their first point of the tournament. Despite the draw, Kenya remain unbeaten and well within reach of a quarterfinal berth as the group stage nears its conclusion.
The next round of Group A fixtures promises more drama as Kenya prepare to face Morocco in a high-stakes showdown.
The national team players have consequently bagged the Ksh500,000 that President William Ruto had promised in case of a draw.