In Summary
- Kenya played Russia in an international friendly match.
- The first half was balanced but Kenya was ahead 2-1.
- Russia is ranked 39th while Kenya at 109.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars held Russia to a 2-2 draw in an international match friendly played at Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey.
Russia is ranked 39th while Harambee is 109th in the world.
This is the last friendly match before the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Earlier, Kenya played South Sudan, Qatar, Mauritius, and Pakistan in the build-up friendlies.
Kenya lost to South Sudan 1-0, beat Qatar 2-1, Mauritius beat Kenya 1-0 and beat Pakistan 1-0.
The Game
Russia scored first at the 10th minute; goal scored by Alexander Soblev.
Harambee Stars defensive midfielder Anthony Akumu equalized for Kenya in the 30th minute. A defensive error by Russia would cost them!
The second goal was scored by Massud Juma after another defense error by Russia that found Juma alone with the goalkeeper.
Kenyan prolific striker Michael Olunga nearly netted a third goal, but narrowly missed the far-left targeted corner.
Both teams gave a good account of themselves with Kenya pulling a surprise 2-1 lead.
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The second half saw a determined Kenya eager to upset Russia while Russia looked more to lose, putting up a fight.
The game became passionate, Olunga receiving a yellow card for protesting a referee’s decision on a foul.
Patrick Matasai would make a great save at the 78th minute to deny Russia an equalizer.
Russia looked more lethal in the dying minutes and would equalize at the 88th minute.
The game’s impact.
The draw will build Harambee Stars confidence and bound to improve Kenya’s World FIFA ranking.
Russia is ranked 39th while Harambee 109th in the world.
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Kenya is set to play Gabon in their first qualifier match.
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