Ryan Ogam scored three minutes from time as Kenya were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Eritrea in their opening Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The result denied Eritrea a famous victory after Nahom Netabay had given the visitors the lead in the first half.
Kenya started brightly and created an early opening when Job Ochieng raced down the left before delivering a threatening cross that Eritrean goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan managed to clear.
Ogam then came close to breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute after receiving a through ball and beating Simon Tekie for pace. However, his low effort went straight at Sultan.
The hosts continued to push forward, although their momentum was briefly disrupted when Rooney Onyango was booked for bringing down Netabay.
Eritrea were also forced to make an early change when Jemal Ali suffered an injury in the 22nd minute, with Yosief Misgina taking his place.
Despite Kenya enjoying promising spells, Eritrea took advantage of a defensive mistake to go ahead.
In the 37th minute, Netabay intercepted Mansur Okwaro’s attempted pass out from defence before advancing and firing a left-footed shot beyond Byrne Omondi.
Kenya almost restored parity before half-time. Micah Obiero found space on the right and picked out Ogam inside the box, but the striker sent his effort wide from close range.
Eritrea returned from the break looking to extend their advantage and Netabay nearly doubled the lead with a powerful effort from distance. Omondi, however, reacted quickly to keep the ball out.
Kenya increased the pressure as the second half progressed, relying heavily on deliveries from set pieces.
Abud Omar sent a dangerous free-kick into the Eritrean area, but Ogam could only direct his attempt into the side-netting.
With time running out, coach Benni McCarthy made attacking changes as Kenya searched for an equaliser.
The hosts came close again in stoppage time when Mohammed Bajaber and Shariff Musa found openings behind the Eritrean defence, but Sultan produced important saves to maintain his side’s advantage.
Duke Abuya was also denied moments later after Abud Omar launched a long pass into the area, with Sultan once again making the crucial intervention.
Kenya eventually found their breakthrough in the 87th minute.
Ben Stanley Omondi burst forward on the flank before sending the ball into the danger area, where Ogam was on hand to finish from close range and make amends for his earlier miss.
The draw leaves Kenya still searching for a victory over Eritrea after their previous win against the Red Sea Camels came in the 2003 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, when they prevailed 3-2 in Kassala, Sudan.
Harambee Stars will now turn their attention to their second Group D assignment away to Guinea, while Eritrea face South Africa in their next qualifier.
