Kenya began their Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Eritrea, as Ryan Ogam struck in the 87th minute to rescue Harambee Stars from an opening-round defeat.
Eritrea had taken the lead through Nahom Girmai in the 36th minute, leaving Kenya chasing the contest for much of the evening. The Harambee Stars eventually found their breakthrough three minutes from time, with substitute Ben Stanley Omondi providing the assist for Ogam’s equalizer.
Eritrea Strikes First Against Kenya
Kenya entered the contest looking for a positive start to their AFCON qualifying journey, but Eritrea proved difficult to break down.
The visitors were forced into an early change in the 23rd minute when Jozef Misignha replaced the injured Jamal Ali.
Kenya’s Rooney Onyango was booked for a foul in the 29th minute before Eritrea landed the first major blow seven minutes later.
Nahom Girmai made it 1-0 in the 36th minute, converting from Ali Sulieman’s assist to give Eritrea a valuable advantage heading into half-time.
Half-time: Kenya 0-1 Eritrea
The goal changed the complexion of the match, forcing Harambee Stars to become increasingly adventurous after the restart.
Harambee Stars Turn to the Bench
Kenya searched for a route back into the game as the second half progressed.
Ben Stanley Omondi replaced Job Ochieng in the 64th minute, while Stanley Omondi Wilson came on for Timothy Ouma a minute later.
Mohammed Bajaber was introduced for Manzur Okwaro in the 70th minute before Kenya made two further changes in the 79th minute. Amos Wanjala replaced Rooney Onyango, while Shariff Sirengo came on for Micah Obiero.
The changes ultimately paid off.
Ryan Ogam Delivers Late Kenya Equalizer
With Kenya facing the prospect of beginning their AFCON qualification campaign with defeat, Ryan Ogam produced the decisive moment in the 87th minute.
Ben Stanley Omondi, who had entered the game during the second half, created the opportunity and Ogam finished to level the score at 1-1.
The late strike ensured Harambee Stars emerged with a point after spending more than 50 minutes trailing Eritrea.
Full-time: Kenya 1-1 Eritrea
Goals:
Kenya – Ryan Ogam 87′
Eritrea – Nahom Girmai 36′
What the Draw Means for Harambee Stars
A draw may not have been the ideal opening result for Kenya, but Ogam’s late intervention ensured Harambee Stars avoided an early setback in their AFCON qualifying campaign.
The match also highlighted the importance of Kenya’s substitutes. Omondi’s introduction proved particularly significant, with the midfielder setting up the equalizer.
For Kenyan football fans, attention now turns to the next qualification fixture, where Harambee Stars will look to build on the point and strengthen their position in the race for a place at the Africa Cup of Nations.
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Final Word
Kenya 1-1 Eritrea ultimately became a story of late resilience from Harambee Stars.
Nahom Girmai’s first-half goal put Eritrea within touching distance of an important victory, but Kenya kept searching for an answer. That persistence was rewarded in the 87th minute when Ryan Ogam converted Ben Stanley Omondi’s assist to rescue a point.
It was not the winning start Kenya wanted, but avoiding defeat gives Harambee Stars something to build on as their AFCON qualification journey gathers pace.
