By Peter Ochieng
National soccer team, Harambee Stars settled for a 0-0 draw against African champions, Ivory Coast, in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match played in Lilongwe, Malawi on Tuesday evenning.
Stars had better chances in the group F encounter but coach Engin Firat’s charges led by captain Michael Ogada Olunga, failed to take their chances in a bid to become the first team to beat the The Elephants since they were crowned Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions in February, 2024.
Traditionally, Harambee Stars who were the home side on Tuesday were supposed to host the match in Nairobi. However, that could not be possible as Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums are under renovation.
Before the tightly contested game, Olunga mentioned that Emase Fae’s Ivory Coast side had weaknesses especially in defence, promising to exploit them for a historic Kenyan win.
“Just like any other team, they have their weaknesses and we will try to exploit their weaknesses,” said the striker who plies his trade in Qatar.
It was mission uncomplished as the sides settled for a drab 0-0 draw.
Credit to Harambee Stars though, for stopping The Elephants’ 100 percent run in the qualifiers.
Fae’s side had collected 9 maximum points out of 9 in the three previous qualifier matches.
The game came days after Harambee Stars settled for a 1-1 draw against minnows Burundi in another qualifier match, at the same venue.
Ivory Coast leads group F with 13 points after 4 rounds of matches. Gabon are placed second with 6 post points, while Harambee Stars are ranked third with 5 points.
Burundi (4), Gambia (3) and Sychelles (0) are the bottom placed teams in the group. The World Cup qualifiers take a break until March, 2025.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) region qualifiers will conclude in November 2025.
Over 50 sides are vying for 9 automatic slots on offer for the African continent.
USA, Mexico and Canada will jointly co-host the expanded 2026 edition of the World Cup.
It will be the first time in history, for three countries to jointly co-host the soccer bonanza.