- Russia couldn’t replicate the form they had shown against Cameroon as they were held to a 2-2 draw on Monday evening
- Kenya pulls a draw in their first international game against a European nation
- Kenya will switch their attention to the 2026 FIFA world cup qualifier next month
The Harambee Stars of Kenya have played a 2-2 draw against 2018 World Cup hosts Russia in an exciting international friendly played this Monday in Mardan Sports Complex stadium in Antalya, Turkey.
Russia going into this FIFA entered the game in full confidence having beaten Cameroon last week in their last friendly. The 49th nation scored in the extremes of the game through Aleksandr Sobolev and Ivan Oblyakov while Kenya ranked 109 in the World and got their goals through Anthony Okumu and skipper Michael Olunga.
The Russian side opened after eight minutes after Maksim Mukhin provided for Sobolev to put the 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalist who were hoping to beat a second African nation in less than five days.
Unlike it was against Cameroon, the Kenyans reacted almost immediately and even took the lead.
Japan-based Anthony Okumu leveled scores for the Harambee Stars after a well-worked ball met him with time and space in the area.
It was soon 2-1 for Kenya when skipper Masoud Juma pounced on a poor clearance by the Russian keeper to fire into the net after 37 minutes.
Olunga was guilty of poor finishing as he squandered a gilt-edge opportunities in the closing moments of the first segment and just upon resumption.
Ivan Oblyakov equalized in minute 89 after a quick counter to kill Kenya’s hopes of a much-needed win.
The game ended on a 2-2 score as Kenya conclude preparations for the serious business of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which starts during the next international break in November.
Kenya is placed in Group F alongside Côte D’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Burundi and Seychelles.
The Harambee Stars begin their quest for World Cup qualification against the Panthers of Gabon at Stade de Franceville on November 13.
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