Harambee Stars' winless start to the 2022 World Cup qualifier campaign continued on Sunday afternoon after they were held to 1-1 draw against Rwanda at the Kigali International Stadium.
It was an improved performance in what was Stars' second match in Group E, having been forced to a dull 0-0 draw against neighbours Uganda on Wednesday in Nairobi.
Michael Olunga opened the scores in Kigali after just 10 minutes, blasting in from close range after the Rwandese defense failed to clear an initial danger.
Goal!
— Futaa.com (@Futaacom) September 5, 2021
Michael Olunga gives Kenya the lead in Kigali.
11' Rwanda 0-1 Kenya#WorldCupQualifiers
Just like against Uganda Cranes, Stars started the match against the Amavubi impressively, pinning their opponents deep into their half.
It did not take long for it to pay as their first real attack led to the goal, with Olunga finding himself in the right place and at the right time to bury it in after two defenders scrambled to clear it off the line for his 19th international goal.
The hosts however grew into the game and took charge of midfield as Stars failed to build on their lead.
The equalizer arrived shortly afterward as former Gor Mahia forward Jacques Tuyisenge connected well with a cross from the wing, and his ball bounced off an unaware Abdul Rwatubyaye and crept past the goalkeeper.
Goal!
— Futaa.com (@Futaacom) September 5, 2021
Rwanda have equalised through Abdul Rwatubyaye
21' Rwanda 1-1 Kenya
Olunga almost made it 2-1 a minute after the restart with a sumptuous free-kick from outside the box but the goalkeeper made a wonderful save forcing a corner.
The striker was at it again and missed a clear scoring chance in the 59th minute after skillfully getting past a defender, but his shot went over the bar despite having only the keeper to beat.
He then failed to fully connect well with an inch-perfect cross from the right wing as it flew inches over the post.
Both sides pushed the winner which never came, with clear chances being few and far between.
In the end, it was a second successive draw for Jacob Ghost Mulee's side, who moved second behind Mali on the standings.
The West Africa nation will play Uganda on Monday.
Here is the Stars team that played at the Kigali Stadium;
