By Lorraine Ruto,

123rd ranked Harambee Stars enhanced their chances in their AFCON Group ‘E’ qualifier match after forcing a  1-1  draw  against hosts Congo  in their first leg tie  staged  away in Congo who are ranked 47th.

Harambee Stars took the lead barely after  nine minutes through Paul Were who beat the offside trap after being set  up by  Allan Wanga to beat Congo Keeper Mafumbi Henry.
The hosts  however  equalized  after 35 minutes through a spot kick converted by Oniangue Prince after Jackson Salleh handled the ball in the  danger zone. Keeper Bonface Oluoch almost reached for the ball but was late by a fraction of a second.

The match had however started on a bright note for the Congo side with a side netting from Mervel  in the fourth minute while  Dore Ferebory headed wide moments later.

It was a  balanced affair with both team’s creating chances .In the 20th minute, Captain Victor Wanyama went close with a  bicycle  kick from Were’s  corner.

Earlier in the 17th minute,Harambee Stars  goal survived narrowly when Karouf Boukua header  from Ndockyt Merveil  cross went few inches wide  with Keeper Oluoch well beaten.

The Kenyans bounced back  with  Michael Olunga  and Allan Wanga going  close in the second half but were  ruled offside.

Coach  Bobby Williamson made three changes in the second half  by hauling out Noah Wafula, Were  and Wanga  and introduced Sam Timbe,Kevin Kimani  and Anthony Okumu who brought stability in the dying minutes.

Noah Wafula was then stretchered off in the dying minutes of the first half with an injury but managed to pick up and proceed with the game.