Harambee Stars opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Kenya entered the Group D encounter looking to make a positive start under head coach Benni McCarthy, despite a difficult build-up that saw the players miss training sessions over outstanding allowances. The team eventually returned to training on Friday, giving McCarthy only one collective session before the match.
The draw means Harambee Stars and Eritrea share the points from the opening fixture as Kenya begins its competitive preparations ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya had already secured its place at the 2027 AFCON finals as a co-host, but will still participate in the qualification campaign. The matches provide the team with competitive action ahead of the continental tournament.
The result also continues the recent competitive history between the two sides. Their previous meeting came in the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, when Eritrea defeated Kenya 4-1.
Harambee Stars will now turn their attention to their next Group D assignment against Guinea in Conakry on October 1, 2026.
FULL TIME
🇰🇪 HARAMBEE STARS 1-1 ERITREA 🇪🇷
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