Egypt held to a 1-all draw by Kenya’s Harambee Stars

Egypt were held to a 1-all draw by Kenya’s Harambee Stars in their Afcon Group B qualifier match in Alexandria, Egypt, on Thursday evening.

Mahmoud Kahraba scored the opener for hosts Egypt in the opening half. Kenya equalized in the second half through Michael Olunga.

Kenya suffered a setback when they made two injury-enforced changes in the first half. Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was substituted by Ian Otieno after just nine minutes, He picked up a knee injury as he took a goal-kick.

Soon afterwards Kenya had to withdraw Ayub Timbe after he also picked up a knee injury and was replaced by Cliff Nyakeya.

Early on Timbe had Kenya’s best chance in the game, when after a brilliant solo run, he unleashed a scorcher from inside the box but was denied by the keeper.

Egypt broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Kahraba tapped into an empty net after his initial attempt was blocked by Otieno.

Kenya produced a vastly improved second-half performance as they tried to claw their way back into contention. And they did so after 61 minutes when Cliff Nyakeya did well to win the ball inside the box before teeing up Olunga who fired home.

Egypt almost regained the lead in the 78th minute when Otieno spilt a scorcher from Mahmoud Hassan. The stray ball was cleared off the line by Joseph Okumu.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo