Despite 10-man Harambee Stars forcing a 1-1 draw against Angola in their second African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group A clash on Thursday, August 8, 2025, head coach Benni McCarthy was unimpressed with the display.
The match at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, saw the hosts survive by the “skin of their teeth” as they spent most of the game on the back foot.
Having beaten DR Congo 1-0 in their opener, Stars were chasing a second win to boost their quarter-final chances. However, the “Palancas Negras” struck first after only seven minutes through Jo Paciencia.
Austin Odhiambo equalised from the spot in the 12th minute after being fouled in the box, sending Adilson Cipriano the wrong way to ignite the home crowd.
Kenya’s joy was short-lived as Marvin Nabwire received a straight red card in the 21st minute for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.
“This was the toughest game I’ve coached. Playing 70 minutes with 10 men was difficult. You just tried to coach and keep the players in check. I praise the effort and work; it wasn’t easy,” McCarthy said post-match.
Stars resorted to deep defending after McCarthy brought on Mike Kibwage for Boniface Muchiri to shore up the backline, with captain Alphonse Omija leading a resilient rearguard.
McCarthy lauded the team’s tactical discipline but criticised mental lapses and “high school mistakes” that nearly proved costly.
“Errors are what hurt us. I know players still get nervous, but you have to take charge,” he said.
Angola dominated possession (71% to Kenya’s 29%) and registered seven shots on target. Austin’s penalty was Kenya’s only attempt on goal.
Kenya nearly conceded late after Ben Stanley’s poor pass triggered an Angolan counter, with Joao Manha heading past Bryne Omondi, only for VAR to disallow the goal.
“We can’t keep making small mistakes. Either go to the corner flag or make a simple pass. The difficult pass was intercepted, and we almost lost all points,” McCarthy said.
Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves accused Kenya of time-wasting after the red card.
“We played as a team, tried everything, but Kenya defended a lot and wasted time,” he said.
Kenya now leads Group A with four points, one ahead of Morocco, whom they face on Sunday. A draw will secure their quarter-final spot, while Angola must beat Zambia and DR Congo to progress.
