Kenya’s 23-year wait for a first win over Eritrea stretched on after both sides played out a 1-1 draw in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium.
Ryan Ogam was the man who rescued the seemingly faltering Benni McCarthy charges with an 86th-minute goal that cancelled out Nahom Netabay’s first-half strike.
The Harambee Stars, ranked 74 places above the East African nation, dominated the game for long spells but squandered their chances before finally salvaging a point late on.
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Kenya vs Eritrea player ratings
And here are the Harambee Stars player ratings against Eritrea:
Bryne Omondi – Goalkeeper – 6.0
The Gor Mahia man was rarely tested as Kenya dominated possession.
He still made at least five crucial saves, but his poor pass in the build-up gifted Ali Suleiman possession, allowing him to square for Nahom Netabay’s opener.
Rooney Onyango – Right Back – 6.0
Onyango lasted 79 minutes and offered an outlet down the right, with a couple of efforts on target, including one that was parried over the bar. He was booked in the 20th minute for a rough challenge on Suleiman.
Hannif Wesonga – Centre Back – 6.5
Making his national-team debut, Wesonga impressed, particularly in the opening half.
He won important duels, made timely interceptions and pressed high up the pitch. His effort was also parried over the bar, though his influence dipped after the break.
Frank Odhiambo – Centre Back – 5.5
Odhiambo had a relatively quiet outing, making a few recoveries without being seriously troubled by Eritrea. He was part of the defensive lapse that led to the opening goal.
Aboud Omar – Left Back – 6.5
Omar was one of Kenya’s more active players, combining defensive work with attacking support. He made several interceptions and helped create opportunities, including one that Ryan Ogam failed to convert.
Manzur Okwaro – Central Defensive Midfielder – 5.0
Okwaro endured a difficult evening, losing possession in the build-up to Eritrea’s goal. He was booked before making way in the 70th minute.
Duke Abuya – Central Defensive Midfielder – 6.0
Abuya helped keep Kenya’s midfield ticking while providing cover defensively. He got into promising positions but could not make his opportunities count.
Micah Obiero – Right Wing – 6.7
Obiero was lively during his 78 minutes, especially in the opening half. His crosses and movement caused problems down the flank, although Kenya struggled to finish the chances he helped create.
Timothy Ouma – Central Midfielder – 5.6
Ouma struggled to impose himself before being withdrawn in the 65th minute.He contributed a few interceptions and some neat passing but remained largely peripheral.
Job Ochieng – Left Wing – 6.0
Ochieng found pockets of space on the left but was unable to consistently influence the attack. He gave away possession on several occasions and was replaced after 63 minutes.
Ryan Ogam – Forward – 8.0
Ogam had opportunities to put Kenya ahead in the first half but failed to capitalise. He eventually made amends with an 86th-minute equaliser, rescuing a point for the Harambee Stars.
Substitutes
Ben Stanley Omondi – 6.7
Omondi brought fresh energy after replacing Job Ochieng. His pressing helped shift the momentum, and he supplied the assist for Ogam’s equaliser.
Wilson Omondi Stanley – 6.6
Stanley replaced Timothy Oum a and provided some composure in midfield. He helped retain possession and chipped in with a few interceptions.
Mohammed Bajaber – 7.4
Bajaber’s introduction in the 69th minute gave Kenya more attacking impetus.He stretched Eritrea with his movement and picked out teammates with accurate passes, although he could not finish his own opportunities.
Amos Wanjala – 5.6
Wanjala came on for Rooney Onyango to add defensive cover. He helped preserve the shape at the back during his 14-minute spell.
Shariff Musa – 6.3
Musa replaced Micah Obiero in the 79th minute and injected pace into the attack. He found himself with an opportunity to push Kenya towards a winner but could not convert.
Harambee Stars, who will now prepare to face Guinea next Thursday in this Group D qualifier, are using these fixtures more as build-ups as they have already qualified for the 2027 tournament, which they will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.