Gilberto vows Angola will ‘work harder’ after Kenya stalemate
For Gilberto, Thursday night’s Group A clash at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 in Nairobi was not just another group-stage fixture — it was a test of patience, control, and persistence.
In a match where Angola enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but could not break down 10-man Kenya, the midfield general was at the heart of every move, dictating tempo and keeping his side on the front foot.
Gilberto delivered a commanding performance in a high-intensity Group A clash in front of a capacity crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi.
The match ended 1-1, with Kenya playing more than 70 minutes with 10 men after Marvin Nabwire was sent off in the 21st minute.
Angola had the numerical advantage but they were unable to break down a resolute Kenyan defence, led by an inspired Byrne Omondi in goal.
Despite Angola’s frustration at failing to convert dominance into victory in the 1-1 draw, Gilberto’s composure and influence stood out.
His commanding display earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award, recognition he insists belongs as much to his teammates as to himself.
“I am really happy to have won the trophy, but this is not my sole effort — it is a contribution from all my teammates that resulted in this. The credit is for them,” he said after the match.
Facing the Roar of Nairobi
Playing in front of a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Gilberto and his teammates had to contend not only with a stubborn Kenyan side but also with a wall of noise from the home fans.
“The atmosphere was very tough, as you know Kenya was playing at home. Unfortunately, we didn’t win the match, but we will keep working so that we can win the next one,” the Angolan midfielder explained.
Respect for Kenya’s Resilience
With years of experience at AFCON, the CAF Champions League, and other high-level African competitions, Gilberto knows the value of respecting a disciplined opponent.
He acknowledged Kenya’s defensive organisation, particularly after they went down to 10 men in the 21st minute.
“It was a very tough match because both teams are very good. We did our best to win, but unfortunately we didn’t. As I said before, we will go back and work harder to win our next game.”
Looking Ahead
The draw leaves Angola on one point from two games, meaning they must now beat DR Congo in their final Group A match to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
If Thursday’s performance was any indication, Gilberto’s leadership and tactical intelligence will be central to their push for qualification.