Ryan Ogam struck five minutes from full time to rescue a point for Harambee Stars as Kenya came from behind to draw 1-1 with Eritrea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

The late equaliser brought a huge sense of relief to the home crowd after Kenya had spent much of the second half chasing the game. With defeat appearing increasingly likely, a moment of quality in the 85th minute changed the mood inside Nyayo, triggering wild celebrations in the stands.

Harambee Stars started brightly and looked the more threatening side during the opening stages. Job Ochieng and Ryan Rabok delivered dangerous balls into the Eritrean area, while Timothy Ouma’s corner presented Haniff Wesonga with an opportunity, although his bicycle-kick attempt went wide.

Kenya continued to create chances, with Ogam getting behind the Eritrean defence but failing to finish his one-on-one opportunity. Obonyo also came close as the hosts pressed for an early breakthrough.

Eritrea gradually settled into the contest and began finding spaces in the Kenyan defence. Filmon Rezene provided moments of individual brilliance, while goalkeeper Bryne Omondi was forced into action as the visitors grew in confidence.

Against the run of play, Eritrea eventually found the breakthrough. A defensive mistake by Manzur Okwaro allowed Nahom Girmai to capitalize and put the Red Sea Camels ahead.

Kenya went into the interval 1-0 down despite having created several promising opportunities.

Head coach Benni McCarthy responded with changes after the break as Harambee Stars increased the pressure. Ouma tested Eritrea goalkeeper Yonathan Abiel with a free-kick, but the shot-stopper produced a strong response to keep his side in front.

Okwaro was later replaced by Mohammed Bajaber, while Stanley Wilson and Ben Stanley came on for Ochieng and Ouma as Kenya sought greater attacking impetus.

Bajaber immediately provided energy and nearly levelled after creating an opening for himself, only for Abiel to make another crucial save. The Eritrean goalkeeper repeatedly frustrated the hosts and emerged as one of the key figures in the visitors’ resistance.

Kenya also survived a scare when Omondi ventured off his line, with Duke Abuya intervening at the crucial moment to prevent Eritrea from extending its lead.

With time running out, McCarthy threw more attacking options into the game, introducing Amos Wanjala and Sharif Musa for Rony Onyango and Obonyo.

The pressure finally paid off in the 85th minute.

Ben Stanley Omoni created space down the flank before delivering the ball into a dangerous area, where Ogam was on hand to finish and send Nyayo into celebration.

The goal transformed the atmosphere inside the stadium, with supporters who had been staring at possible defeat suddenly believing Kenya could complete a dramatic comeback.

Harambee Stars pushed for a winner during the remaining minutes and four minutes of added time, but Eritrea held firm.

The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, giving both teams a point from their opening Group D fixture.