Kenya’s Harambee Stars have been held to a 2-2 draw against 2018 World Cup hosts Russia in an international friendly match played at the Mardan Sports Complex stadium in Antalya, Turkey on Monday night.
Russia opened up the score sheet in minute eight through Aleksandr Sobolev after an assist from Maksim Mukhin.
Anthony Okumu who plies trade with Sagan Tosu in the J1 league however levelled things for Stars in the 16th minute before Masoud Juma of Al-Jabalain in the Saudi league added Kenya’s second goal in minute 37 after a poor clearance from Russia’s shot-stopper.
Ivan Oblyakov equalized in minute 89 after a quick counter to kill Kenya’s hopes of a much-needed win.
Captain Michael Olunga had an open chance in the 44th minute after a perfectly played through ball leaving the Al-Duhail forward clear on goal.
His chipped shot however went wide but the Kenyan side kept on mounting pressure on the hosts.
Olunga seemed to have left his shooting boots back home after he squandered yet another sublime opportunity in minute 50 after his left-footed shot from the centre of the box went wide following a fast break.
Stars played a controlled possessive game with quick counters and tight defending but were beaten by Russia’s constant pressure in the final minutes of the match.
Kenya is currently ranked 109 in the Fifa men’s world ranking whereas Russia is ranked at position 39.
The team has been playing a round of international matches as a gear up for the upcoming Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifiers that start in November.
This was Harambee Stars’ fourth friendly match with the last match played at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani ending in a 1-0 loss to neighbouring South Sudan.
Russia’s last friendly match was against another African opponent, five-time Afcon winners, Cameroon where they won 1-0.
This draw will prove to be a much-needed boost for the national team as they head into the World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya is placed in Group ‘F’ alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi and Seychelles.
Stars begin their quest for World Cup qualification against Gabon at Stade de Franceville on November 13.
