Ogam Equalizer Rescues Harambee Stars in AFCON 2027 Opener

Kenya’s Harambee Stars began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA qualification campaign with a 1–1 draw against Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday.

The hosts were forced to settle for a point after Eritrea took the lead, before forward Ryan Ogam came to Kenya’s rescue with an equaliser in the 86th minute, ensuring Benni McCarthy’s side avoided defeat in their opening Group D encounter. 

The result gives both sides a point from the opening fixture, with Kenya now preparing for their next Group D assignment away to Guinea on October 1st . 

Kenya already qualified for PAMOJA 2027

Although the Harambee Stars are taking part in the qualifiers, Kenya have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON finals as one of the three co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

The qualifying matches nevertheless provide valuable competitive preparation for McCarthy as he continues to build his squad ahead of the tournament.

In Group D, only the highest-placed team apart from Kenya will earn the additional qualification place. 

Kenya Harambee Stars Starting XI vs Eritrea

1. 23. Byrne Omondi (GK)
2. 16. Rooney Onyango
3. 3. Abud Omar (C)
4. 5. Frank Odhiambo
5. 2. Hannif Wesonga
6. 20. Manzur Okwaro
7. 8. Duke Abuya
8. 10. Timothy Ouma
9. 22. Micah Obiero
10. 19. Job Ochieng
11. 15. Ryan Ogam

Substitutes

• Faruk Shikhalo (GK)
• 1. Amos Wanjala
• 14. Ben Stanley
• 24. Brian Bwire (GK)
• 18. Chrispine Erambo
• 12. Javan Ochieng
• 13. Marvin Nabwire
• 6. Mike Kibwage
• 4. Mohammed Bajaber
• 7. Shariff Musa
• 11. Stanley Wilson
• 21. Vincent Harper