Ryan Ogam rescued a point for Kenya with an 87th-minute equaliser as Harambee Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Eritrea in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe result means Kenya will have to wait even longer for a first victory over the Red Sea Camels, with their last win coming on 2 December 2003 when they edged Eritrea 3-2 in Kassala, Sudan, during the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.##NAJAVA_MECA_9985348##Despite already securing a place at the 2027 continental showpiece as co-hosts, head coach Benni McCarthy had stressed the importance of making the qualifying campaign competitive and using the matches to build a team capable of competing on the continental stage.Kenya started brightly, with Real Sociedad winger Job Ochieng immediately posing a threat down the left. His inviting cross inside the opening minute was dealt with by Eritrea goalkeeper Yonathan Abiel.The hosts continued to press, but Timothy Ouma and Micah Obiero were unable to make the most of promising situations before Ogam came close in the ninth minute.The striker collected the ball inside the box, turned his marker brilliantly but saw his effort denied by an alert Abiel.🔴 As it happened: Harambee Stars extend wait for victory against Eritrea in lacklustre AFCON build upEritrea gradually settled into the contest after the 20-minute mark, with Victor Stefan and Filmon Rezen causing problems for the Kenyan defence with their pace and movement.Kenya continued to create openings but repeatedly failed to find the final pass, with frustration beginning to creep into their play.Rooney Onyango became the first player booked after bringing down an Eritrean player to halt a promising transition.Obiero then came close in the 32nd minute, forcing another save from Abiel with a fierce effort.Eritrea responded with a dangerous counterattack, as Esrom Mussie raced through on goal before Byrne Omondi stood firm to deny him.##NAJAVA_MECA_9985328##But Kenya's problems at the back would soon prove costly.A mistake in possession by Manzur Okwaro in a dangerous area allowed Nahom Girmai to pounce, with the Eritrean finishing to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute and silence the Nyayo crowd.Kenya had a chance to level before the break when Ouma picked out Duke Abuya, but the midfielder sent his effort over the bar.Ogam then saw another opportunity go begging in first-half stoppage time after his effort from close range following an Obiero cross drifted wide.Eritrea went into the break with their lead intact, with sections of the home crowd expressing their frustration as the Stars headed down the tunnel.Kenya returned with greater urgency after the restart, with Ochieng firing the first attempt of the second half wide in the 47th minute.Harambee Stars striker reveals major reason behind his struggle in AustriaEritrea threatened a minute later, but Omondi was equal to Stefan's effort.Ochieng remained a constant outlet for the hosts and won a free kick just outside the box in the 53rd minute, although Ouma's delivery was cleared.The frustration continued to grow, with Okwaro booked on the hour mark for a cynical challenge.McCarthy made his first changes three minutes later, bringing on Ben Stanley and Stanley Wilson for Ochieng and Ouma as Kenya searched for a way back into the contest.A moment of uncertainty between Frank Odhiambo and Hanif Wesonga almost handed Eritrea a second goal, but Nahom Tadese could not keep his effort on target.Mohammed Bajaber was then introduced for Okwaro, injecting fresh energy into the hosts' attack. His quick exchanges with captain Aboud Omar helped Kenya create a series of half-chances as the home side pushed forward.Double tragedy as FC Talanta defender loses two nieces in house fireThe pressure finally paid off in the 87th minute.Ben Stanley delivered a teasing cross into the box, and Ogam was on hand to meet it, tapping home from close range to send Nyayo into celebration.Bajaber almost completed the comeback deep into stoppage time when he tried his luck from distance, but his effort flew wide.Kenya were forced to settle for a point, leaving McCarthy's side with work to do as they prepare to travel to Conakry for their next Group D qualifier against Guinea on 1 October.The Stars will be seeking their first victory of the qualifying campaign against a Guinea side that, alongside South Africa, completes a competitive Group D.##NAJAVA_MECA_9985322##
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