Ryan Ogam Saves Benni McCarthy the Blushes as Harambee Stars Fail to Beat Minnows Eritrea in Nairobi

Ryan Ogam’s late goal saved Harambee Stars from embarrassment as they were forced to share the spoils with East African minnows Eritrea in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Harambee Stars were unable to shake off their Eritrea hoodoo as they nearly lost 1-0, having gone down early in the first half.

Kenya paid the price for their wastefulness and defensive mistake as Eritrea did not need to impose themselves to get a point.

Eritrea’s goal arrived in the 35th minute when Nahom Girmai robbed Manzur Okwaro the ball before slotting home from the edge of the box to leave the crowd at Nyayo Stadium stunned.

Eritrea were thankful that 20-year-old goalkeeper Malik Abdulrahman was in fine form as he repelled several attempts from Kenya to preserve their lead until very late.

When it looked like Eritrea were set for a fourth straight win over Kenya, Ogam popped up with a late goal. Substitute Ben Stanley Omondi brought in a good cross from the right and Ogam reacted quickest to get on the end of it and poke home for 1-1.