Harambee stars now turn their focus on the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers after playing to 2-2 draw against Russia in an international friendly played today October 16, 2023, at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey.

Kenya will begin their journey with an away game against Gabon at Stade de Franceville on November 13.

According to the full schedule released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Harambee Stars, who are pooled in Group F alongside Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and Ivory Coast, will then travel away for their matchday two against Seychelles at the Stade Linite on November 20. The first home game will be played against Burundi on June 3, 2024.

Russia’s Aleksandr Sobolev notched a goal for Russia in the 8th minute, giving his team an early lead. The game’s dynamics took an unexpected turn in the 13th minute with Harambee Stars goalkeeper Byrne Omondi sustaining an injury, that saw Coach Firat bring in second goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.

In the 16th minute, Anthony Akumu masterfully leveled the scores. Masud Juma added the second goal for Kenya in the 36th minute ensuring Harambee Stars held a 2-1 advantage at halftime.

After the break, relentlessly pressed to break past each other’s defenses, however in the 89th minute, Russia’s Ivan Oblyakov found the back of the net sealing the scores at 2-2.