It was Angola who opened the scoring in the first half, but Kenyan came with more urgency in the second half to net two and revive their hopes of qualifying for the continental finals.
Kenya’s win was partially ruined when Mariga got is second yellow after removing his shirt to celebrate his wonder goal with four minutes remaining. He was given the first yellow after hitting the ball into the net after a whistle had gone.
In the first half, it was Angola who had the better chances and in the eighth minute South Africa based Dennis Odhiambo cleared on the goal-line after Mateus Costa ran clear for a one on one with ‘keeper Arnold Origi. The ‘keeper got a slight touch on the ball but when it was about to pass the line, Odhiambo nicked it to safety.
Angola’s dominance prevailed in the 20th minute when Manucho netted after sloppy defending from the home team to beat the blameless Origi with ease.
After that Angola dominated in the defense, midfield and attack. The offensive combination of Oliech, Mugalia and Odhiambo was not also working for Kenya, as the trio failed to make any onslaught on their opponent’s goal mouth. On the other end Angola’s Manucho and Djalma ran rings in Kenya’s defense while being assisted by midfield linchpin Dominiqui Kivuvu.
In the 50th minute, Stars coach Zedekiah Otieno rung changes by bringing in Victor Mugabe and Jamal Mohammed for Johanna Omollo and Joseph. The changes immediately worked with Mohammed equalizing in the 52nd minute after the ‘keeper parried Oliech’s feeble shot.
The Kenyans continued to pile pressure, but the Angolans managed to soak the onslaught well. In the 68th minute, Angolan Calvaho managed to beat the Stars defense but shot-stopper Origi was equal to the task.
On the other end, George Odhiambo found space in the danger area, but his shot went skywards. In the 85th minute, Mariga’s shot went inches out for a corner after the Angolan goalkeeper got a touch on it. Angola also made changes with hardworking Kivuvu making way.
Kenya kept pushing and with two minutes remaining, Oliech was brought down in the danger area. The resultant kick was blocked and the ball flew to the Kenyan goal side. The keeper quickly released the ball and found Mariga unguarded. The midfielder unleashed a rocket that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
In the thick of the moment, Mariga removed his shirt and since he was on a yellow card he saw red. In the dying minutes, Angola almost equalized but Origi was watchful and was able to make the save.
The win gives Kenya four points from three matches while Angola remain on three.
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Kenya 2-1 Angola: Red-Carded Mcdonald Mariga Scores Winning Goal For Harambee Stars