Harambee Stars put up a strong performance to hold the African champions Ivory Coast to a 0-0 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Lilongwe, Malawi on Tuesday 11 June.Harambee Stars had a couple of clear chances to clinch the win in the first half but Michael Olunga, the Harambee Stars captain was particularly blunt upfront. The game began slowly, with neither team posing a threat in the first quarter. Kenya’s cautious strategy of sitting deep and intercepting Ivorian passes through the channels worked well initially, but early offensive attempts did not yield results due to Olunga being isolated upfront.The match picked up pace in the 23rd minute when a long-range shot from Seko Fofana narrowly missed the crossbar, marking the first real attempt of the game. Both teams then made more serious attempts to score.Kenya managed a shot on target from a free-kick and a long-range effort by Olunga, while Ivory Coast had a couple of wide shots, frustrated by Harambee Stars’ defense. The first half ended with a free-kick save by Matasi just before the break.H.T🇰🇪 0-0 🇨🇮Big 45” coming up.#Tunaweza pic.twitter.com/XctxhF0xwW— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) June 11, 2024 The second half began with Ivory Coast pressing, but Kenya’s defense held strong. Jeremy Boga’s yellow card in the 53rd minute and a series of substitutions and corners punctuated the second half. Harambee Stars’ rested Kenneth Muguna and Timothy Ouma, bringing in Erambo Chris and Duka Abuya. Kenya’s counter-attacks frequently broke down due to poor execution in the final third.EXCLUSIVE: Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier summoned over non-payment of former coach Francis NuttallIn the 71st minute, Kenya’s best chance came when Olunga’s shot was cleared off the line. Later, Olunga’s pressured shot in the 82nd minute was saved by Fofana. Ivory Coast’s Diakite hit the crossbar in the 84th minute, leading to a tense finish as Kenya’s defense stood firm to secure the draw. Despite Ivory Coast’s late pressure, the match ended goalless.This draw marked only the fourth time in 19 matches that Kenya has avoided defeat against a reigning African champion. Following a 1-1 draw with Burundi, this result was a positive response for the Harambee Stars, who managed to hold the African champions, previously unbeaten in the qualifiers.Kenya now sits third in their group with five points from four matches. Their next phase of qualifiers will be in March 2025.
