Angola vs Kenya: How Power of 12th Man Made Life Difficult for Gilberto at Kasarani Stadium

Kenya were relentless in atmosphere and spirit, making life difficult for Angola in a tense CHAN 2024 Group A clash

Angola national team forward Deivi Miguel Vieira has had his share of big games across Africa, but Thursday's Group A tie at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Nairobi posed a challenge of a different kind — one not dished out by the Kenyan team alone, but by tens of thousands of Kenyan fans packed into the Moi International Sports Centre.

Better known as Gilberto, the 24-year-old Angola winger was at the center of every move in a game where his side enjoyed 71% possession but could only manage to draw 1-1 with a Kenya side who were reduced to ten men for over 70 minutes.

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The levels of noise inside the stadium, which were fueled by the home supporters, made communication and calm a constant battle.

Right from the opening whistle, sound waves poured down from the terraces, magnifying each Kenyan foray to the extent that it was constantly disrupting Angola's rhythm.

Even when the guests went ahead in the seventh minute through Jo Paciencia, their dominance was yet to be challenged not by the determined Harambee Stars' backline, but an unstoppable cacophony of whistles, drums, and chants.

"The atmosphere was not easy at all, you know Kenya was playing at home. Unfortunately, we did not win the match, but we will keep fighting so that we can win the next one," explained the Angolan midfielder.

Austin Odhiambo's spot kick in the 12th minute brought down the house in Kasarani after he was fouled within the box, with goalkeeper Adilson Cipriano going the wrong way.

The blast in the terraces was rekindled in the 21st minute when Marvin Nabwire's red card left Kenya with ten men, and it sparked a wall of resistance from the home side.

Despite the numerical advantage, Angola's efforts to build patiently through Gilberto eventually met with roars that seemed to give the Kenyan defenders an extra gear.

Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi's saves were greeted with deafening cheers, each one further fueling the hosts' resistance.

"It was a very difficult game since both teams are quite good. We did all we could to emerge victorious, but unfortunately failed. As I have said earlier, we shall return and train even harder to win our next match."

Kenyan Noise a "12th Man" in Kasarani

Gilberto's midfield dominance was uncontrollable, and he was deservedly voted the TotalEnergies Man of the Match — an accolade he did not hesitate to dedicate to his teammates.

"I am very happy to have won the trophy, but this is not my individual effort — it is an effort from all my teammates that has led to this. The credit goes to them," he stated post-match.

But for all his cool and tactical thought, the pressure of Kenyan organisation at the rear and the intimidating atmosphere eventually took its toll in keeping the Sable Antelopes out.

Every errant pass was applauded by the terraces, every Kenyan block a moral victory for the home faithful.

Quarter-final Hopes on the Line

The result leaves Angola with a lone point from two games, and their final Group A tie with DR Congo is now a must-win to reach the quarter-finals.

Kenya, who beat DR Congo 1-0 in their group opener, shift focus to facing tournament favourites Morocco on Sunday, 10 August, at Kasarani Stadium.

A win would send the Harambee Stars soaring towards a historic qualification to the knockout stage in their maiden CHAN appearance.