NAIROBI, Kenya — Ryan Ogam scored an 87th-minute equalizer as Harambee Stars rescued a 1-1 draw against Eritrea in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
Kenya fell behind in the 36th minute when Nahom Netabay found the back of the net after being set up by Ali Sulieman, giving Eritrea a surprise lead against the run of play.
Harambee Stars responded by increasing the pressure as they searched for an equalizer, but Eritrea's defence held firm for much of the second half as Kenya struggled to turn its possession and attacking pressure into goals.
The introduction of substitute Ben Stanley Omondi proved decisive late in the match. With only a few minutes remaining, Omondi delivered a cross into the box, which Ogam met before firing past the Eritrean goalkeeper to level the contest and rescue a point for the hosts.
The equalizer sparked celebrations at Nyayo Stadium and denied Eritrea what would have been a winning start to their Group D campaign.
For Kenya, the result marks a slow start to the qualifying campaign, although the late goal prevented the hosts from suffering defeat on home soil. Eritrea, meanwhile, will take confidence from their ability to frustrate Kenya for long periods before conceding late.
The match was Kenya's first Group D qualifier, with the Harambee Stars having been drawn alongside Eritrea, Guinea and South Africa. Kenya's place at the 2027 AFCON finals is already guaranteed as one of the co-hosts, but the qualifying matches provide competitive preparation ahead of the tournament.
Harambee Stars will now turn their attention to their next Group D fixture against Guinea in Conakry on October 1.
Story by Oscar Maroa