Harambee Stars, Kenya's national football team, fought back from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw against Eritrea in their AFCON 2027 qualifier on Saturday. The match, played at a packed stadium, saw Kenya start with urgency but struggle to create clear opportunities in the first half. Despite dominating possession, the home team's attacks were repeatedly thwarted by Eritrea's defense. Eritrea, on the other hand, showed confidence on the ball and threatened on the counter-attack.
The visitors took the lead in the 37th minute after a defensive lapse gifted them an opening. Nahom Netabay scored with a low effort past Kenya's goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, giving Eritrea a 1-0 lead. The goal stunned the home crowd, who made their feelings known at half-time as Harambee Stars headed down the tunnel to a chorus of boos. The Eritrean supporters, on the other hand, celebrated their side's advantage.
The second half began at a frantic pace, with both sides attacking with greater purpose. Eritrea continued to use the wings effectively on counter-attacks, while Kenya increasingly relied on corners and set pieces in search of an equaliser. The home team's coach made changes in the 63rd minute, bringing on Ben Stanley and Stanley Wilson for Job Ochieng and Timothy Ouma. These substitutions gradually injected more energy into the Harambee Stars attack.
As the match wore on, Kenya piled on the pressure, with Mohamed Bajaber coming close in the 75th minute after weaving his way through the Eritrean defense. The goalkeeper parried his effort behind for a corner. Two minutes later, Shariff Musa and Amos Wanjala were introduced for Micah Obiero and Rooney, with Musa immediately making an impact on the right flank. Musa repeatedly made runs in behind the Eritrean fullback, helping to stretch a defense that had largely kept Kenya at bay.
The breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute when Ben Stanley delivered a low cross into the danger area and Ryan Ogam reacted quickest, turning the ball home to level the contest. The goal sent the home supporters into wild celebrations. Ogam's strike five minutes from time spared Kenya's blushes and secured a point for the Harambee Stars.
In the closing stages, Kenya pushed for a winner, with Bajaber again involved in the build-up. Musa was presented with an opportunity to complete the comeback late in the game following a dangerous cross from Bajaber, but he lifted his effort over the bar. The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, leaving Harambee Stars to settle for a point after a night in which their attacking struggles and defensive lapse had threatened to cost them dearly.
The draw comes as a relief to Harambee Stars, who had faced criticism for their troubled build-up to the match. The team's coach, and the players, will look to build on this performance in their next match. The point earned will also be crucial in their quest to qualify for AFCON 2027.
Key points
- Harambee Stars secured a 1-1 draw against Eritrea in their AFCON 2027 qualifier.
- Ryan Ogam scored the equalizing goal in the 85th minute.
- The draw comes as a relief to Harambee Stars after a troubled build-up to the match.
