Kenya draw with Eritrea in AFCON 2027 qualifying — Nation Kenya

Kenya’s national team drew 1:1 with Eritrea in a Group D match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament, held on September 26, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. The hosts equalized only in the 87th minute through a goal by Ryan Ogam, Nation Kenya reports.

Eritrea open the scoring

The Kenyan team started the match actively at Nyayo National Stadium. In the second minute, Job Ochieng delivered a dangerous low cross, which was intercepted by Eritrea goalkeeper Yonatan Abiel. Later, Ogam went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Abiel saved his shot.

Despite the hosts’ dominance in possession and on the opposition half, Eritrea scored first. In the 37th minute, Manzur Okwaro lost the ball near the penalty area, Ali Suleiman passed to Nahom Girmai, who beat Brian Omondi.

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Ogam’s late goal

After the break, Kenya coach Benny McCarthy brought on Ben Stanley Omondi, Mohamed Bajaber, Amos Wanjala and Shariff Sirengo. In the 85th minute, Abuya had a chance to equalize, but shot straight at the goalkeeper.

In the 87th minute, Ben Stanley Omondi sent in a low cross from the right flank, and Ryan Ogam converted from close range. The draw extended Kenya’s winless run against Eritrea: the Kenyans last defeated their opponents 3:2 at the 2003 CECAFA Challenge Cup.

Preparation for the match

The match took place after a week during which Kenya national team players boycotted training, citing unpaid dues. Some players said they had not received payments for five matches. The Kenyan team trained only on Friday, while Eritrea’s national team arrived in the country on Tuesday and trained at Police Sacco Stadium.