Benni McCarthy Makes Tough Love Talk Stick After 10-Man Harambee Stars Draw Angola at CHAN 2024

Kenya were reduced to 10 men early but showed resilience to draw 1-1 with Angola in a tense CHAN 2024 clash.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has urged his players to cut out costly mistakes after Kenya played in excess of 70 minutes with 10 players to earn a hard-earned 1-1 draw with Angola in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) match played on Thursday evening.

During the high-profile Group A match at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Stars showed great determination and resolve after Marvin Nabwire's controversial dismissal in the 21st minute, which left them short one player for the rest of the game.

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Despite the numerical disadvantage, Kenya managed to ward off a technically gifted Angola side, largely due to a penalty masterpiece by Austin Odhiambo and some incredible saves by goalkeeper Byrne Omondi.

"Ah, this was the toughest game I've played in. You have to play 15 minutes with 10 men, it was difficult, and you just tried to coach and keep the players in check," McCarthy said post-game.

"But I do have to praise the players for the effort, the work. It wasn't easy."

Angola began like a dream, Jó Paciência slotting home with confidence within seven minutes following a slick exchange with Beni Jetour.

The advantage was brief though; five minutes later, Odhiambo was given and scored from a penalty after a VAR review upheld a box foul by Mafuta.

Kenya Down to Ten but Refuse to Fold

The match's turning point occurred just after the equalizer when Nabwire, who had been initially yellow-carded, had his yellow elevated to red following a second VAR intervention.

"Yes, unfortunately we were quite early on a goal down and also one player down too. So it wasn't ideal. Then you have to then think outside the box as it were and think how you're gonna still maintain still the role of the team so that you can still be optimistic," McCarthy said.

"But I'm just delighted. I'm just delighted for the players that they weren't robbed of all the good work they've done."

Omondi was towering in goals, making vital saves in both halves to deny Aguinaldo Matias and Paciência again. Angola thought they'd won it late on, but Kaporal's stoppage-time rebound strike was chalked off for offside after a VAR check.

McCarthy Praises Spirit but Criticizes Nervous Start

While praising the team's mettle and tactical discipline, McCarthy expresses no hesitation in discussing the mental lapses that nearly proved costly once more.

"Because errors are what are hurting us. We inflict pain on ourselves a lot. I know players still get nervous. I understand that occasion is big. But I think as players now, you have to take charge and you can't still be nervous," he said.

Our team again, the first half, we played so nervously. Second half, people get relaxed and then you play accordingly. But football—you cannot play 45 minutes and then the remaining 45 minutes you don't play.

Kenya are currently top of Group A with four points from two games, ahead of Morocco and DR Congo.

A victory in their last group match against Morocco can provide them with quarter-finals qualification.

A solitary point on the board is what Angola has, and it is a do-or-die game against DR Congo if they want to stay in the reckoning for CHAN 2024.