Harambee Stars hold Russia in Turkey

Russian forward Alexandra Sobolev (left) tussles for the ball against Kenya's Richard Idada. [Courtesy]

Harambee Stars on Monday held 2018 World Cup hosts Russia to a 2-2 draw in an international friendly match played at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey.

Ivan Oblyakov scored in the 88^th minute as Russia came from behind to deny Kenya a historic win.

Spartak Moscow forward Aleksandr Sobolev gave the Russians the lead inside the opening 10 minutes before Anthony Akumu and Masud Juma scored to give Kenya a 2-1 half time lead.

The match began with an unexpected error from the ever green Johnstone Omurwa whose missed placed pass was pounced on by Sobolev who in turn beat Bryne Odhiambo in goal to give Russia the lead in the seventh minute.

Three minutes later, Odhiambo was replaced by Patrick Matasi in goal after an injury.

Japan-based Anthony Akumu displayed his awareness in attack just as he does his defensive duties when he pounced on a lose ball to restore parity in the 176^th minute.

Masoud Juma would then give Kenya an unexpected 2-1 lead in the 37^th minute after a miss hit header fell on his path to slot home.

In the final half, CSKA Moscow midfielder Oblyakov came off the bench to break Kenyan hearts after he netted the equalizer and save Russia’s blushes by forcing a 2-2 draw.

The stalemate continues Harambee Stars irregular form since the FIFA ban was lifted last year in November.

In their six matches played this year, Kenya have won two (against Qatar and Pakistan), lost three and draw one.

In fact, Stars have not registered back to back wins. Kenya begun their life after the FIFA ban with a 2-1 defeat to Iran in March 28 before defeating Pakistan 1-0 on June 14. Four days later, Kenya lost 1-0 to Mauritius.

Last month, Stars wrote history by beating 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar 2-1 in Doha before falling to South Sudan 1-0 at Nyayo Stadium.

The draw against Russia shows improvement in terms of playing highly ranked nations but the inconsistencies hangs a dark cloud over Kenya’s chances ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers beginning next month.

Kenya are in Group F against Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.

They will begin their hunt against Gabon on November 13.