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Kenya drew against Russia after the European side forced an equaliser in the dying minutes of the match.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has expressed happiness at his side’s general performance against Russia as Kenya held firm to force a 2-2 draw against the European giants in a friendly match played in Antalya, Turkey on Monday night.
Stars had come from a goal down to lead 2-1 at halftime with goals from Anthony ‘Teddy’ Akumu and Masud Juma, but a last-minute surge by the Russians bore fruit as they scraped for a draw.
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08:06 - 17.10.2023
FOOTBALL Eight lessons learnt from Harambee Stars draw against Russia
In their first-ever meeting, Kenya settled for a 2-2 draw against Russia in an international friendly.
It was the last friendly match for Firat and his technical bench ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which are scheduled for November, with Kenya faced with back-to-back away trips to Gabon and Seychelles.
Speaking after the match, Firat expressed satisfaction at his side’s performance especially after they overcame a nervous opening moments of the game, rallying from behind to take the lead.
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07:06 - 17.10.2023
FOOTBALL Richard Odada dazzles in Harambee Stars player ratings after Russia draw
In an enthralling encounter, Harambee Stars displayed resilience against Russia, with notable individual performances contributing to an exciting 2-2 draw.
“It is the first time that Kenya played against a European team, against a country with big history,” Firat said.
“They were Olympic and European champions before. These kinds of teams with good players are tough. The boys started really well. We got nervous and made a mistake for the first goal.
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21:00 - 16.10.2023
FOOTBALL Russia score late equaliser in four-goal thriller with Kenya's Harambee Stars
Kenya conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 with Russia after coming close to securing a historic win against the European nation
“Our goalkeeper Bryne Omondi got injured which is the biggest problem we had today. Rest of the game we controlled very well and had very good chances today, but that is football.
“In the last minute, Russia scored. I am happy with the way we played but (in terms of the) result, we could have won I think.”
“We were very organised and played well. Many people expected us in this kind of game to get five or six goals and I am happy that we disappointed them and showed that we are in a good way to compete with big teams I hope that we can take this to the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers,” the coach added.
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13:07 - 16.10.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga in high spirints ahead of Russia clash
Harambee Stars, led by captain Michael Olunga, face Russia in a vital World Cup prep, seeking confidence before challenging qualifiers.
Harambee Stars will now return to competitive action this November when they face Gabon and Seychelles in their opening two games of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya has been placed in Group F, with Burundi, Seychelles, Gabon, and Ivory Coast.
07:06 - 17.10.2023
FOOTBALL Richard Odada dazzles in Harambee Stars player ratings after Russia draw
In an enthralling encounter, Harambee Stars displayed resilience against Russia, with notable individual performances contributing to an exciting 2-2 draw.
The tactician used a similar squad to the one that played against Qatar and South Sudan last month, save for right-back Daniel Anyembe who missed after his club refused to release him as well as forward Elvis Rupia who was not considered for the game.
Gor Mahia right back Rooney Onyango made his debut as a right winger, but gave a positive impression that is sure to give Firat reason to start him when the competitive fixtures start.
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