Harambee Stars’ Nabwire admits to shedding tears following red card vs Angola
By Steve Ireri, August 17, 2025Harambee Stars midfielder Marvin Nabwire has opened up about the emotional toll of receiving a red card during Kenya’s fiery Group A clash against Angola in the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Speaking in a candid question-and-answer session with Kalyondu Musyimi on the night of Saturday, August 16, 2025, Nabwire admitted that the incident left him in tears as he walked off the pitch.
Nabwire revealed the mental strain he experienced, saying the thought of potentially costing the team the match weighed heavily on him, and he was relieved when the team managed to hold Angola to a draw.
“The last time I cried was against Angola after the red card. It made me feel really bad because in my mind I was hoping the game would end in a draw or a win, and I thought if things went south, everyone would blame me,” he said.
The match, held at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, saw ten-man Harambee Stars hold Angola to a dramatic 1-1 draw.
Angola struck first in the seventh minute through striker Jó Paciência, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past Kenya’s goalkeeper Byrne Odhiambo.
Kenya responded swiftly, earning a penalty just four minutes later, which Austin Odhiambo converted confidently to level the score.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 21st minute when Marvin Nabwire was shown a straight red card following a VAR review. Initially booked for a reckless tackle on Angola’s Além, the referee upgraded the yellow to a red, forcing Kenya to play with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Personal details
Beyond discussing the red card, Nabwire shared personal details about his life and career.
The 24-year-old, who stands 5.6 feet tall, began playing football at the age of five in Kawangware, starting with Vapor Football Ministry.
He named Lionel Messi as his football idol and revealed that his favourite pre-match song is Power by Mbosso.
He also disclosed that he supports Manchester City and dreams of owning a Porsche, though he currently drives none.
“I am 5.6 tall and 24 years old. I started playing football when I was five years old in Kawangware, and my first team was Vapor Football Ministry. My football idol is Messi. One word to describe Harambee Stars right now is ‘we are the champions.’ I support Manchester City,” he said.
Nabwire’s candid session covered everything from his educational background.
He revealed that he scored 285 marks in KCPE and a C+ in KCSE.
Further, he stated that he is investing his Ksh2 million gift from the president, though he did not specify the exact venture.
“My current M-Pesa balance is around three million, and my favourite car is a Porsche, though I don’t own one yet. With the two million shillings gifted to me by the president, I am investing, though I cannot disclose the exact venture. In school, my favourite subject was CRE, while my least favourite was mathematics and physics. In KCPE, I scored 285 marks, and in KCSE, I got a C+. I did not pursue a university or college course. Football was my first job, and I continue to dedicate myself to the game.”
He also spoke about his approach to life off the pitch, revealing simple pleasures like his favourite meals, most-texted contact (his mother), and cherished memories from growing up in Nairobi.
“The last time I lied was today, I told my captain that breakfast time was over, but it was not. I have two, actually three, best friends. The person I call and text the most is my mum. My favourite emoji is the 100 percent one. My favourite meal is rice and chicken, which I also cook best. I don’t have a favourite pre-match meal, but after a game, I prefer snacks like crisps,” he said.