Date: Sunday, 27 September 2026
Kenya avoided a home defeat by drawing 1-1 with Eritrea in the opening match of the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers. The Harambee Stars had to react in the final minutes after trailing for much of the game.
Benni McCarthy's side had chances to take the lead but failed to capitalize. Eritrea, meanwhile, was more clinical and found the 1-0 before halftime, putting pressure on a Kenyan team that needed to start with a victory in front of its home fans.
The equalizer finally came in the 87th minute, when Ryan Ogam appeared inside the box to rescue a point that was slipping away from the hosts.
Kenya started on the front foot and had a clear chance through Ryan Ogam, who got past the goalkeeper, but his effort went just wide. Soon after, the hosts threatened again through Job Ochieng, although Yonathan Sultan reacted well in goal.
Just when Kenya appeared to be in control, Eritrea capitalized on an error in possession. Ali Sulieman won the ball and found Nahom Girmai Netabay, who kept his composure to make it 1-0 in the 36th minute.
The goal changed the match. Kenya had to push forward, while Eritrea grew in confidence as it defended its advantage. The visitors went into halftime ahead after making the most of one of their few clear chances.
With the score against them, Kenya pushed for an equalizer in the second half but continued to struggle to turn its opportunities into goals. The pressure increased as the clock ran down and the prospect of opening the Qualifiers with a defeat became more real.
The response came in the 87th minute. Ben Stanley Omondi drove forward down the wing and sent a cross into the box, where Ryan Ogam arrived at the right moment to finish and make it 1-1.
