Harambee Stars holds Russia to a thrilling draw in international friendly
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 16.10.23. | 21:12
Harambee Stars were leading the game 2-1 until a late stunner by Ivan Oblyakov forced the game to end in a draw
The international friendly between Kenya and Russia showcased a thrilling display of football prowess and tactical brilliance that ended in a 2-2 draw at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey.
The match began with an unexpected twist in the 7th minute when Russia took an early lead. A costly mispass by Johnstone Omurwa, who plies his trade in Portugal, was seized upon by Aleksandr Sobolev, who capitalized on the mistake to put the Russians in front with ease.
In the 10th minute, the Kenyan team faced an injury setback when goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo was forced to exit the game. Patrick Matasi came on as his replacement.
However, Kenya fought back in the 16th minute, as Japan-based Anthony Akumu displayed incredible determination. He pressured the Russian defense and won the ball just outside the box. Despite Michael Olunga missing the initial shot under pressure, Akumu was there to score the equalizer.
The momentum swung further in Kenya's favor in the 37th minute when Masoud Juma seized an opportunity. Russia's defense was caught napping as Kenneth Muguna headed the ball back into the danger area, allowing Juma to slot the ball into the net. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was later allowed.
In the 44th minute, Olunga had a glorious chance to extend Kenya's lead, but he missed the target after a superb long pass from midfielder Richard Odada.
Second half
The second half saw more action, with Russia making several changes to alter the game's dynamics. In the 55th minute, Kenya's goalkeeper, Patrick Matasi, made a crucial save by denying Daler Kuzyaev's shot from inside the box.
Kenya made their own substitution in the 60th minute when China-based Ayub Timbe replaced Masoud Juma. As the game progressed, Russia's pressure mounted with numerous changes and attacks.
In the 78th minute, Matasi was once again called into action, making a brilliant save to block Maksim Mukhin's thunderous shot from outside the box. Russia's relentless attacks continued, but Kenya's resolute defending prevented them from finding the equalizer.
In the 83rd minute, Russia made a double change in their pursuit of an equalizer, further intensifying the match. Yet, Kenya's defensive efforts remained solid. Kenya made a double change, Kenneth Muguna and Rooney Onyango resting for Brian Mandela and Daniel Sakari, an obvious defensive decision.
However, Kenya faced heartbreak in the 88th minute when Russia found the equalizer through Ivan Oblyakov, a second-half substitute. The late goal ensured that the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Next for Harambee Stars is a World Cup qualifier against Gabon in Libreville on November 13.
Harambee Stars Starting XI: Bryne Odhiambo (Patrick Matasi), Amos Nondi, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Erick Ouma, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna (Brian Onyango), Rooney Onyango (Daniel Sakari), Masoud Juma (Ayub Timbe), Michael Olunga.
Russia Starting XI: Ilya Pomazun, Arsen Adamov,Roman Evgenev, Georgiy Dzihikiya, Yuri Gorshkov, Danil Fomin, Dmitriy Barinov, Anton Miranchuk, Aleksei Miranchuk, Aleksandr Sobolev, Maksim Mukhin.
