Eritrea drew 1-1 with Kenya in their opening match of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday, 26 September.

Eritrea led from the 36th minute. Ali Suleiman delivered a precise ball to Nahom Girmai, who finished from a good position, and the visitors took that lead into the break.

Kenya pressed through the second half and got their reward on 87 minutes, Ryan Ogam finishing with his left foot from close range. Eritrea tried to respond in the four added minutes, but the game ended level.

Kenya emptied the bench chasing the goal: Ben Omondi and S. Wilson on 65 minutes, M. Bajaber on 70, then A. Wanjala and S. Sirengo on 80. Eritrea made two changes, Josef Misighna replacing the injured Jamal Ali on 23 and N. Tadese coming on for T. Tekie on 67.

Eritrea are back in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying after 18 years, and a point away from home is a solid start to the campaign. Kenya, already through as co-hosts of the tournament, are using the qualifiers to develop their squad.

Kenya's preparation was disrupted: their players struck over unpaid allowances and completed only one training session before the match. Captain Michael Olunga missed out through injury.

Key events: 23' Eritrea sub (Misighna for Ali) · 29' Onyango booked · 36' GOAL Nahom Girmai (Eritrea) · 51' Fors booked · 60' Suleiman booked · 65' double Kenya change · 67' Eritrea change · 70' Kenya change · 80' double Kenya change · 87' GOAL Ryan Ogam (Kenya) · 90+2' full time.