Harambee Stars Settle For a Draw Against Russia

The Kenya National Football Team, Harambee Stars settled for a 2-2 draw against Russia in their friendly match played at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey.

Two first half goals from Anthony Okumu and Masud Juma were not enough to grant Kenya the win. 

Coach Engin Firat and Captain Michael Olunga had earlier declared that the Harambee Stars were well-prepared for their friendly match against Russia on Monday, October 16.

The sentiments from the coach and captain set the tone for an exciting clash played in Turkey.

Russia struck first in the eighth minute through Aleksandr Sobolev before Harambee Stars responded with two fine goals, displaying their resilience in the historic fixture.

Anthony Akumu found the net in the sixteenth minute to draw Kenya level, before Masud Juma put Kenya ahead ensuring the Harambee Stars went for the break with the lead.

After the break, the Kenyan side dominated the game maintaining their lead as they kept the Russian attackers at bay.

However, the Russians managed to find the net to draw things level, Ivan Oblyakov equalizing in the second last minute of normal time after a fine team move.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, who remained silent in front of goal, remains positive after the result.

He emphasized that the importance of such friendlies is for gaining experience and self-assessment before the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

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The Harambee Stars jetted out of the country on October 9 where the first batch of fourteen players arrived in Turkey and held their first training session.

The rest, including Michael Olunga, joined later.

Anyembe Not in the Harambee Stars Squad

Coach Firat had expressed disappointment in defender Daniel Anyembe’s absence from the squad, due to a denied club release.

“We wanted Anyembe in camp, but his club was reluctant to release him,” Firat explained.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed Anyembe’s absence highlighting that the influential defender did not secure his release from his club in perfect time to link up with the rest of the squad.

Furthermore, the coach emphasized the team’s commitment to exploring options and building a robust squad for the upcoming qualifiers in November.

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2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Harambee Stars faced Russia in their final test match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers begin in November.

They find themselves in Group F, set to challenge Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.

Kenyan football fans eagerly awaited the friendly encounter against Russia, hoping it would serve as a valuable steppingstone towards the World Cup Qualifiers.