Antalya – The Kenyan national football team, Harambee Stars, managed a 2-2 draw against Russia in an international friendly on Monday at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey. The Kenya News Agency reports that Aleksandr Sobolev scored for Russia in the 8th minute, putting the European nation in the lead.
The match witnessed a significant change in the 13th minute when Harambee Stars goalkeeper Byrne Omondi was injured, prompting Coach Firat to bring in second goalkeeper Patrick Matasi. Shortly after the goalie switch, Anthony Akumu equalized for Kenya, and Masud Juma scored another to give Harambee Stars a 2-1 lead at halftime.
In a late turn of events, Russia’s Ivan Oblyakov scored in the 89th minute, finalizing the match at a 2-2 draw. Coach Engin Firat praised the team’s performance against a tough European opponent. “It’s the first time Kenya gets to experience a European team, and against a big footballing country, it is very tough to play against these kinds of teams, but the boys played very well,” said Firat.
The friendly was part of the lead-up to the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers, and the draw has bolstered the team’s confidence. “We are on a good way to compete with other big teams, and I hope we can take all these on our way to the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers,” added Firat.
Harambee Stars will next participate in FIFA World Cup qualifiers beginning in November 2023. The team is in Group F, alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and the Seychelles.
The starting lineup for Kenya included Byrne Odhiambo, Amos Nondi, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Erick Ouma, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Rooney Onyango, Masud Juma, and Michael Olunga. The substitute bench featured Patrick Matasi, Brian Bwire, Brian Mandela, Collins Sichenje, Daniel Sakari, Vincent Harper, Alpha Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Ovella Ochieng, Alfred Scriven, Cliffton Miheso, and Moses Shummah.