Harambee Stars Held to 1-1 Draw by Eritrea in AFCON 2027 Qualifier

Nairobi, Kenya | September 26, 2026

Harambee Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Eritrea in their opening Group D match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

Kenya fell behind in the first half after Eritrea capitalised on a defensive mistake to take the lead. Nahom Girmai put the visitors ahead after Manzur Okwaro was dispossessed just outside the Kenyan penalty area, leaving the hosts trailing 1-0 at the break.

The hosts had created several opportunities before conceding, but struggled to convert their chances. Ryan Ogam, who started in attack with captain Michael Olunga unavailable, came close on several occasions, while Micah Obonyo also threatened as Kenya searched for an equaliser.

Coach Benni McCarthy made changes after the interval as Harambee Stars increased the pressure. Timothy Ouma tested Eritrean goalkeeper Yonathan Abiel with a free-kick, while substitute Mohammed Bajaber also forced the goalkeeper into action.

Eritrea remained organised defensively, with Abiel making several saves to preserve his side’s advantage. Kenya continued to press forward as the match entered its final stages, with the hosts seeking to avoid defeat on home soil.

The pressure finally paid off in the 87th minute when Ben Stanley Omoni created an opening from the flank for Ogam, who finished to bring Kenya level and rescue a point for the hosts.

Harambee Stars pushed for a winning goal during added time but could not find a second breakthrough, with the match ending 1-1.

The draw gives both Kenya and Eritrea a point from the Group D opener. Kenya are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON finals as one of the three co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, meaning the qualifying campaign will determine the additional team that advances from Group D.

The result also leaves Kenya without a competitive win over Eritrea since their previous meeting in 2019, when the Red Sea Camels defeated Harambee Stars 4-1 in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup semi-final.

The match came at the end of a difficult week for McCarthy’s side after preparations were disrupted by a dispute over player allowances. The team eventually resumed training on Friday, a day before the qualifier.

Harambee Stars will now turn their attention to their next Group D assignment as they look to build momentum in the remaining fixtures.