10-man Harambee Stars endured a gruelling almost 80 minutes to force a 1-1 draw against a determined Angola side in a high-octane match of the African Nations Championship played on Thursday night at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani stadium.
The Palancas Negras started brightly and took the lead when Bernabe Muafulo Tomas won the ball from the right wing, setting up Paciencia, who beat the goalkeeper in the 7th minute.
Kenya restored parity 5 minutes later when Austin Odhiambo converted a penalty resulting from a VAR review after the forward was brought down in the Angolan box by Mafuta.
The match full of drama took a new twist in the 21st minute when defensive midfielder Marvin Nabwire was sent off for a foul just outside the box when the referee changed his initial decision of brandishing a yellow card after a VAR review.
When Angola thought they had won it with a stoppage-time header goal from Kaporal, the VAR came to Harambee Stars’ rescue after it was ruled for an offside.
Harambee Stars were forced to defend deep throughout the match to earn a vital point.
Kenya leads Group A on 4 points from two matches, a point ahead of 2nd-placed Morocco and DR Congo, who are 3rd, while Angola occupies 4th position with a point.
Harambee Stars will return to the Kasarani stadium this Sunday evening against two times champion Morocco.
