Harambee Stars were held to a goalless draw by Rwanda in a FIFA friendly match at Amahoro Stadium on Monday evening, as they wrapped up the September/October international break without a win.
Kenya were playing their third match of the break after featuring in two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. They drew against Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea, leaving them in need of a positive result against Rwanda.
However, despite carving out a number of promising openings, Benni McCarthy’s men could not find the back of the net, as in his 22 matches in charge he has now recorded his seventh draw, which equals his seven wins, while he has lost eight.
The result also meant that Kenya extended their 26-year dominance over Amavubi, having last lost to them in open play in 2000, when they went down 2-1 in the CECAFA Cup.
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Rwanda, playing at home and coming off two crucial wins in Group K of the AFCON qualifiers, fancied their chances early on.
In the first minute, Farouk Shikhalo was already tested by Kwizera Jojea, whose effort from the left forced the Kenyan goalkeeper into an early save.
Eight minutes later, Amavubi created another opening from a corner through Kwizera. The ball was whipped into the box, where Imanishimwe was already rising for a header, but his effort was blocked close to the goal line.
The game then settled into a midfield battle, with both sides controlling proceedings in that area. Kenya’s first real attempt came eight minutes past the half-hour mark through Wilson Omondi, whose long-range effort sailed over the bar.
Kenya quickly grew into the contest, producing another opportunity two minutes later.
Aboud Omar swung a long cross from the left wing, which Rwanda custodian Hakizimana Adolphe managed to parry towards Ryan Ogam. The forward could only muster a loose effort, which was blocked and cleared away.
Within a span of 70 seconds, Kenya were pushing to go into the break ahead and created two crucial chances.
Manzur Okwaro received the ball, dribbled well and unleashed a left-footed shot that was parried by Hakizimana.
Ogam was well inside the box to collect the rebound, but despite getting into a promising position, he could not find the back of the net as both sides went into the break locked in a cagey affair.
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The second half mirrored the opening period, with Rwanda dominating the first 15 minutes and wasting some promising opportunities. Kenya later fashioned chances of their own but were equally unable to capitalise.
The visitors also suffered a blow in the 65th minute when key defender Omar was stretchered off with an injury.
Both sides maintained their defensive shape well in the closing stages and eventually settled for a cagey goalless draw.
The next FIFA international break is scheduled to take place from November 9 to November 17, 2026, during which the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign resumes with Matchdays 3 and 4.
Benni McCarthy’s men are scheduled to face South Africa in back-to-back matches during the window.
Meanwhile, Rwanda will put their perfect Group K record on the line as they gear up for a crucial, high-stakes double-header against Mali.
Rwanda vs Harambee Stars Friendly Lineups – Amahoro Stadium-October 5, 2026
- Amavubi: Hakizimana Adolphe, Uwumukiza Obed, Nkulikiyimana Darryl, Niyigena Clement, Imanishimwe Emmanuel, Muhire Kevin, Samuel Gueulette, Iradukunda Elie, Kwizera Jojea, Nshuti Innocent, Biramahire Abeddy.
- Harambee Stars: Farouk Shikhalo, Aboud Omar, Mike Kibwage, Amos Wanjala, Vincent Harper, Hannif Wesonga, Chrispine Erambo, Manzur Okwaro, Wilson Omondi, Marvin Nabwire, Ryan Ogam.