Harambee stars failed to keep their defense tight up to the last minute as CSKA Moscow midfielder Ivan Oblyakov scored in the 89th minute to level the game at 2-2 against Russia in an international friendly match played last night
Stars had come from a goal down to lead 2-1 at halftime with goals from Anthony ‘Teddy’ Akumu and Masud Juma, but a last minute surge by the Russians bore fruit as they scraped for a draw.
It was the last friendly match for head coach Engin Firat and his technical bench ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which are scheduled for November, with Kenya faced with back to back away trips to Gabon and Seychelles.
The tactician used a similar squad to the one that played against Qatar and South Sudan last month, save for right back Daniel Anyembe who missed after his club refused to release him as well as forward Elvis Rupia who was not considered for the game.
The game against Russia is the fifth International Friendly played this year as they gear up to to the Fifa World Cup Qualifiers
The national team has been drawn in Group ‘F’ of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire.
Stars were in Pot 3 of the draw held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on Thursday, July 13.
The first match of the two-legged qualifiers will be played between November 13 and November 21.
The winners of each group will directly qualify for the tournament.