Harambee Stars played to a 2-2 draw against Russia, in an international friendly at the Mardan Sports Complex stadium in Antalya, Turkey on Monday night.
Russia took the lead in the eighth minute when Aleksandr Sobolev scored after an assist from Maksim Mukhin.
Anthony Okumu, who plays for Sagan Tosu in the J1 league, equalized for the Stars in the 16th minute.
Later, Masoud Juma from Al-Jabalain in the Saudi league scored Kenya’s second goal in the 37th minute following a missed clearance by Russia’s goalkeeper.
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In the 44th minute, Captain Michael Olunga had an excellent opportunity when a perfectly executed through ball set him up with an open chance but his shot went wide.
Olunga appeared to have lost his scoring touch, as he missed yet another excellent opportunity in the 50th minute.
Stars played a controlled possessive game with quick counters and tight defending but were beaten by Russia’s constant pressure in the final minutes of the match.
Ivan Oblyakov leveled the score in the 89th minute with a swift counterattack, dashing Kenya’s hopes of a crucial victory.
This was Harambee Stars’ fourth friendly with their previous game at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani resulting in a 1-0 loss to neighboring South Sudan.
Yesterday’s draw will prove to be a morale boost for the national team as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya is in Group F alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.
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Stars begin their quest for World Cup qualification against Gabon at Stade de Franceville on November 13.
