Angola vs Kenya: Harambee Stars Players Spotted Kissing VAR Booth After Dramatic Draw
- Harambee Stars players fondly embraced and kissed the VAR booth after their entertaining match against Angola
- The VAR was heavily involved in the CHAN 2024 match, with the centre referee relying on it to make three game-defining decisions
- Kenya bagged a crucial point in the end despite playing for a long time a man down after an early red card to Marvin Nabwire
Harambee Stars players were spotted kissing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment after a dramatic, energy-sapping game against Angola.
Source: UGC
Kenya faced the COSAFA nation in their second game of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) on Thursday evening at an almost sold-out Kasarani Stadium.
Angola vs Kenya match report
Benni McCarthy's men were seeking to build on their win over DR Congo in the first match day, while Angola were looking to get their first win on the board after losing to Morocco in their first game.
Pedro Goncalves started the better of the two sides and silenced Kasarani after just seven minutes.
Joaquim Paciencia completed a wonderful team move, rolling the ball into the back of the net to fire Angola ahead.
Austin Odhiambo's penalty
Against the run of play, Kenya were awarded a penalty after Austin Odhiambo was clipped inside the area.
The Gor Mahia star made no mistake from the spot, burying his effort to become the overall top scorer of the tournament.
The decision was not spotted by referee Sadou Ali Brahamou in real time, but was awarded after he had consulted the VAR.
VAR was forced into action a few minutes after Marvin Nabwire fouled an Angolan player. He was shown a yellow card, but after a review, the decision was upgraded to a red card.
Kenya held on with 10 men until the last minute when Joao Chingando Manha expertly guided his header into the bottom corner.
The goal, which could have given Angola the win right at the death, was, however, chopped off after replays showed Manha was in an offside position as the ball came in.
It was undoubtedly the most consequential decision of the game, which handed Kenya a vital point in their CHAN 2024 quest.
Source: Twitter
Harambee Stars players kiss VAR booth
After the game, the Harambee Stars players did a lap of honour around the stadium as they thanked the sea of fans who showed up.
When they reached where the VAR booth was, the players, led by captain Aboud Omar, were spotted kissing and embracing the equipment.
VAR was also heavily involved in their first game against DR Congo. DRC had scored inside five minutes, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the buildup.
It is also important to note that it was the first time VAR was being used on Kenyan soil. The goalline technology is available as well.
Fans react to Harambee Stars players kissing VAR
Fans reacted to the hilarious moment from the Harambee Stars players with Mdela TV, saying,
"Hii nayo kuikiss imebidi juu wueh, watanzania wangetufanyia ile kitu online."
Sg36669 said,
"Welcome to Kenya, where VAR is saving us rather than police officers..."
Chile Boy said,
"That's the rule of Kenya, not CHAN, and we will continue to disallow until we reach the final."
Alimusa said,
"Wachezaji wetu wanasherehekea half a million, pesa taslimu."
President Ruto promises to pay Harambee Stars players
Speaking of half a million, President William Ruto once again promised to fulfil his promise to the Harambee Stars players.
Ruto congratulated the players for the hard-fought point after playing with a man disadvantage for a long period in the game.
The president had promised the players they would each receive KSh 500,000 if they drew any game at CHAN 2024, making the last VAR decision much sweeter.
"What a valiant display of skill and endurance by our gallant Harambee Stars! Reduced to 10 men early in the game, you stood tall, fought hard and covered every blade of grass on the pitch to hold Angola to a commanding draw," said the president on his social media platforms.
"What you displayed this evening was not just football; it is the Kenyan spirit on show for Africa and the world. Courage. Grit. Patriotism. You have made us proud. Hongera vijana! Na niko na deni yenu vile tulikubaliana!"
Why Marvin Nabwire was sent off
In a related report, Marvin Nabwire was sent off after a VAR review after he fouled an Angolan player near the edge of the area.
Nabwire attempted to close down after goalkeeper Bryne Omondi had given a faulty pass.
The Kenya Police FC midfielder was first shown a yellow card before it was upgraded to red.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
