- Kenya’s men’s national football team, Harambee Stars, lost to Estonia on penalties after the match on Friday evening
- The two teams met in the semi-finals of the FIFA Series in Kigali, Rwanda, for their first friendly of 2026.
- CHAN 2024 hero Ryan Ogam scored again for the national team in normal time to send the game to penalties
Harambee Stars lost to Estonia on penalties after the match in the semi-finals of the FIFA Series at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
Source: Instagram
How Estonia beat Harambee Stars in the FIFA Series
Richard Odada missed the deciding penalty after normal time ended with a 1-1 draw.
Head coach Benni McCarthy gave Zechariah Obiero and Frank Odhiambo, born in England, their first matches from scratch.
Estonia were the better of the two teams, dominating the tournament’s opening matches in Kigali. Michael Larsen had the first chance of the game in the 7th minute, but he hit the ball just wide.
In the 15th minute, Aboud Omar’s free kick made Estonian goalkeeper Karl Vallner work, who headed the ball into the corner.
The first goal of the game came from a corner as Kevor Palumets’ effort found Tanel Tammik, who headed in the penalty kick.
Harambee Stars tried to find a quick response, but Job Ochieng’s shot was behind Ryan Ogam. Ogam later tried to turn the provider, but William Lenkupae failed to connect his cross.
Richard Odada received the first yellow card of the game for a foul on Palumets. Kenya’s problems worsened after Ochieng, who was perhaps the biggest spark, left with an injury and Ben Stanley took his place.
Ryan Ogam scores again for Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars came back energized after the break, and it didn’t take them long to find the equaliser. Obiero made a good pass behind the Estonian defense and found Ogam, who had run away. The former Tusker FC striker made no mistake, firing a shot from close range to put Kenya level.
McCarthy made his first strategic change in the 64th minute, replacing Obiero, Omar and Lenkupae with Austin Odhiambo, Chrispine Erambo and Lawrence Okoth as he tried to push home the winner.
Source: Instagram
Okoth had a great opportunity to put Kenya ahead, but his shot went wide. Mohamed Bajaber took Ogam with four minutes of normal time left.
A defensive mix-up at the back almost cost Kenya as Alphonce Omija collided with goalkeeper Ian Otieno, but Omija recovered in time to clear the ball at personal expense.
Richard Odada’s sunken panenka
The game ended in a tie, forcing a post-match shootout to determine who would advance to the finals. Ian Otieno saved Ioan Yakovlev’s penalty, but Mohamed Bajaber and Richard Odada missed their efforts as Kenya gave Estonia victory.
Kenya will now face the loser of the game between Grenada and Rwanda on Monday.
Meet the new Harambee Stars player who was born in England
Again, Zech Obiero made his Harambee Stars debut on Friday against Estonia.
The midfielder was born in England and a former Harambee Stars player, making him eligible to play for Kenya.
He is currently at Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Leyton Orient.
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