Kenya survives late scare to draw 1-1 with Angola in CHAN thriller

Harambee Stars take on Angola in their second Group A Chan encounter at the Kasarni Stadium, August 7, 2025. /KASARANI

Kenya held their nerve to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Angola in a dramatic second match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) group stage.

The result, achieved despite being reduced to ten men early in the first half, leaves Kenya atop Group A with four points—one ahead of Morocco and DR Congo.

Angola struck first in the 7th minute through Jó Paciência, who finished clinically after Beni won the ball on the right wing and surged forward before squaring it to the striker.

The early goal stunned the Kenyan side, but they responded swiftly.

Just five minutes later, Kenya were back on level terms.

A VAR review awarded the Harambee Stars a penalty after a handball in the area, and talisman Austin Odhiambo stepped up with composure to convert from the spot in the 12th minute.

However, the tide seemed to turn in Angola’s favour when Kenya were reduced to ten men in the 21st minute.

Defender Marvin Nabwire was shown a straight red card for pulling down Paciencia just outside the box after a costly mistake by goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo gifted Angola a dangerous opportunity.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Kenya remained organized and disciplined.

Angola, though dominant in possession, failed to break down the resilient Kenyan defence.

Fatigue began to take its toll as the match wore on, and the tempo that characterised the first 20 minutes gradually dipped.

Only one yellow card was issued during the game—coming at the stroke of halftime—as both teams sought to keep their cool in a tense encounter.

In the second half, both coaches rang the changes in search of a breakthrough.

Angola brought on Anderson Emanuel for João de Jesus Ngunza Muanha, while Kenya introduced Michael Evans Kibwage for Boniface Muchiri.

Later, coach Benny McCarthy reshuffled the Kenyan lineup further, replacing Austin Odhiambo and Alpha Chris Onyango with Chrispine Erambo and Ryan Ogam.

A dramatic climax nearly saw Angola snatch all three points.

In stoppage time, the Palancas Negras thought they had found the winner on the counterattack—but the goal was ruled out following another VAR intervention for offside.

Kenya’s gritty performance, defined by discipline and resilience, sees them sitting at the summit of Group A.

With two matches remaining in the group stage, their destiny is firmly in their own hands as they eye a place in the knockout rounds.