Harambee Stars settled for their second successive draw after registering a 1-1 stalemate against Rwanda to remain winless in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in a match staged at the Nyamirambo Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda on Sunday 5 September.The two East African nations renewed their rivalries for the 15th time with Kenya emerging victorious six times in their last 14 matches while Rwanda had tasted success on three occasions as five games have ended in a stalemates.Jacob Ghost Mulee’s charges had a bright start to the game seeking to atone for the frustrating home draw against neighbors and arch rivals Uganda in their opening qualifier game as Michael Olunga had a chance to put Kenya ahead as early as the fifth minute when Daniel Sakari pinged a long ball but the Al Duhail forward hit the ball straight at the keeper.Goal 9’Michael Olunga nicks the lead for Kenya🇷🇼0-1🇰🇪#Tunaweza#roadtoqatar2022 #HarambeeStars— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 5, 2021 The chance was an advertisement of the opener as five minutes later the duo executed their delivery and conversion to perfection as Sakari’s cross was spilled by Emery Mvuyekure in goal but Masud Juma who was lurking in the box saw his effort cleared off the line but as far as Michael Olunga who rifled the ball into the roof of the net for the opener.Harambee Stars’ lead did not last long as Joseph Okumu conceded a cheap corner that was taken quickly to the experienced Haruna Niyonzima who boasts of 107 caps to whip in a devilish cross that was headed by former Gor Mahia forward Jacques Tuyisenge but a wicked deflection from Abdul Rwatubyaye restored parity for Rwanda.Another one of former Gor Mahia forwards Meddie Kagere who was part of the invincible 2015 squad that cliched the league unbeaten was introduced in the 27th minute for Lague Byiringiro who looked to have picked an injury.Kenya enjoyed some dominance in possession but poor decision making the final third cost them as both teams went into the interval locked 1-1.It’s all square at the break.⚽ Michael Olunga⚽Abdul Rwatubyaye#Tunaweza pic.twitter.com/3zI2hcBPuv— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 5, 2021 Harambee Stars had a mirror start to the second half as Lawrence Juma was brought down on the edge of the penalty area with Olunga stepping up to take the free kick and stung the palms of Mvuyekure with a thunderbolt as the ball went out for a corner which Kenya failed to take advantage of.Mulee was the first to dip into his bench as he withdrew Lawrence Juma who at least lasted longer than his 30-minute cameo against Uganda with Abdalla Hassan who started the Cranes game coming on for him this time.Olunga channeled the inner Lionel Messi in him as he turned the Rwanda defense inside out, leaving the sitting on their back sides but his finishing let him down as he opted for power instead of placing with his effort sailing over the mark in the 56th minute.The Al Duhail forward was again in the thick of things as the fresh blood of Abdalla Hassan delivered a cross to the far post with Olunga managing to sneak in and get his foot to the end of the cross but his effort was narrowly went over the crossbar.FTIt ends even here in Kigali.Time to reflect on the performance and strategize for our next assignment in October.#Tunaweza pic.twitter.com/Kt5RNwTTht— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 5, 2021 Eric Johana was next to be handed a rest as Tusker FC midfielder Boniface Muchiri was introduced in the 67th minute but a minute later Rwanda came close to grabbing the lead for the first time in the game when Niyonzima curled in a corner with Okumu almost turning the ball into his own net as his header cannoned off the crossbar and off for another corner with Kenya breathing a sigh of relief.Muchiri injected some pace into the game and instigated a lightening quick counter but Niyonzima took one for the team when the former Sony Sugar midfielder had a clear path to goal, bring him down and was handed a booking for his troubles. Muchiri stepped up to take the freekick but his effort failed to curl in as it went out in the 82nd minute.Despite Harambee Stars pressing on for a winner in the final five minutes, Rwanda stood firm to claim a point.
