Harambee Stars played to a goalless draw with African champions Ivory Coast in their World Cup qualifier match held at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe.

This result marks the first draw for Ivory Coast in the qualifiers and the second consecutive draw for Kenya, who were also held by Burundi last weekend.

Harambee Stars opponents run

Heading into this match, Ivory Coast had been in excellent form, coming off an impressive Africa Cup of Nations triumph and having won all their qualifiers to accumulate nine points, with their latest result being a 1-0 win over Gabon.

Harambee Stars had recorded a loss, a win, and a draw in their recent outings. The first half ended goalless, with both sides failing to capitalize on their chances.

In the second half, Ivory Coast came close in the 56th minute, but debutant Alphonce Omija made a crucial block to prevent a goal-bound shot.

Kenya also had their moments, but struggled with the final ball delivery. In the 70th minute, Timothy Ouma had a clear chance, but Yahia Fofana came off his line to deny Kenya the lead.

Kenya continued to push forward but remained unfruitful. In the 82nd minute, despite being under pressure from an Ivorian defender, Michael Olunga managed to unleash a goal-bound shot which Fofana stopped.

At the Ivory Coast end, Oumar Diakite unleashed a shot following Simon Andigira’s run on the left side, but the ball bounced off the crossbar before the referee called for offside.

In the final minutes, both sides’ final pushes could not yield any goals as Ivory Coast extended their lead at the top of the group standings.

Harambee Stars Starting XI:

18. Patrick Matasi
19. Johnstone Omurwa
20. Daniel Anyembe
21. Aboud Omar
22. Alphonse Omija
23. Timothy Ouma
24. Anthony Akumu
25. Ronney Onyango
26. Richard Odada
27. Kenneth Muguna
28. Michael Olunga (C)

Substitutes:

Bryne Odhiambo, Ian Otieno, David Ochieng, Clyde Senaji, John Avire, Tobias Knost, Chrispine Erambo, John Ochieng, Duke Abuya, Austine Odhiambo, Benson Omalla, Clifton Miheso