CHAN 2024: Maestro Odhiambo scores from the spot as 10-man Harambee Stars hold Angola

Midfield maestro Austin Odhiambo calmly converted a 12th-minute penalty as Harambee Stars battled from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against a highly-rated Angola side in their second Group A match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday.

In a tense and closely contested encounter that kept the home crowd on edge, Jo Paciencia gave Angola an early lead in the seventh minute. However, Odhiambo leveled matters just five minutes later from the penalty spot.

The game took a dramatic turn in the 21st minute when Marvin Omondi received a red card, reducing Coach Benni McCarthy’s side to 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Harambee Stars displayed remarkable defensive resilience for the remaining 70 minutes to secure a valuable point.

Kenya created a few opportunities at the opposite end of the goal, despite being a man down. Substitute Chrispine Erambo went close late on with a powerful drive, and Sylvester Owino narrowly missed the target after a well-delivered corner.

Angola thought they had snatched victory in stoppage time when Kaporal scored from a rebound, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside in a dramatic end to the game.

The goal had silenced the Kenyans who almost filled the Kasarani Stadium, thinking the over 70 minutes of  remarkable efforts by McCarthy's 10 men  for a draw had been wasted just before the whistle.

However, much to the changrin of the Angola players, the referee canceled the goal after their shortlived celebrations, and soon after blew the final whistle.

The final whistle was met with a mix of relief and celebration from the Kenyan bench, who knew just how significant the point was given the circumstances.

Kenya now tops Group A with four points from two matches. Morocco, who defeated Angola 2-0 in their opener at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, are second with three points — level with DR Congo, who beat Zambia 2-0 earlier on Thursday.

Angola have collected one point from two matches, while Zambia remain bottom without a point.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo - Zambia match at the Nyayo National Stadium, goals from Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu and substitute Malanga Mwaku earned the two-time champions the much needed victory ahead of their next big match against Morocco on August 17.

Zambia, coached by former Chelsea and West Ham manager Avram Grant, controlled play throughout but could not create enough scoring chances.

They were not helped when defensive midfielder Kelvin Kapumbu was booked for a reckless tackle on Oscar Kabwit resulting in a dangerous free kick for the Leopards.

On resumption DRC, winners in 2009 and 2016, pressed Zambia into their own half and were gifted with the first goal after only six minutes.

Jephte Kitambala, who is set to join Tanzanian league side Azam FC next season, then picked up a loose ball before releasing it to unmarked Matobo to tap home from close range.

Zambia tried to push for an equaliser but were caught out when the Leopards added a second goal.

Malanga Horso Mwaku was on target in the 71st minute when he looped the ball over Willard Mwanza in the Zambian goal.