Ogam’s late goal rescues Kenya in AFCON qualifier

Kenya avoided a damaging home defeat thanks to an 87th‑minute equaliser from Ryan Ogam, whose close‑range finish earned a 1–1 draw against Eritrea in their opening 2026 AFCON qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium. Eritrea had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Nahom Girmai capitalised on a poor pass from goalkeeper Omondi, calmly slotting home to silence the crowd.

With star striker Michael Olunga ruled out injured on the eve of the match, coach Benni McCarthy entrusted Ogam to lead the line. The RFC Liège forward nearly scored earlier, rounding the keeper before missing narrowly. Kenya dominated large spells but were repeatedly denied by Eritrea goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan.

The breakthrough finally came when substitute Ben Stanley Omondi surged forward and delivered a precise cross that Ogam stabbed in. Despite late pressure, Kenya were booed at full‑time and now face a tough trip to Guinea on October 1 as they seek their first win of the campaign.