Kenya’s national team concluded their October FIFA international break without a win from three matches after another unsatisfactory display saw them settle for a 1-1 draw against Rwanda in a friendly fixture at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Monday.
The game started slowly with both sides trying a defensive approach but Rwanda almost stunned Kenya in the ninth minute when forward Innocent Nshuti fumbled with the ball in the area allowing Kibwage to clear the danger.
In the 11th minute, Nshuti once again powered a goal-bound header from a corner kick but Kibwage came to Kenya’s rescue after reacting quickly to make a superb goal line clearance. This was the 17th time that Rwanda and Kenya were meeting in all competitions, with Kenya managing seven wins, losing twice and seven matches had ended in a draw.
Rwanda custodian Adolphe Hakizimana remained untested for the better parts of the opening 20 minutes with the defence line led by Elie Iradukunda, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Clement Niyigena, and Darryl Nkulikiyimana managing to keep Kenyan forwards led by youngster Ryan Ogam at bay.
Ahead of the game, Kenya and Rwanda had participated in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. For Kenya they lost the opener 1-0 against Eritrea before losing 1-0 against Guinea in matchday two.
Rwanda started their AFCON qualification campaign with a 3-1 win against Lesotho, and later defeated Cape Verde 2-1 in matchday two to top Group K with maximum six points. Chrispine Erambo almost broke the deadlock for Kenya in the 38th minute when he unleashed a ferocious effort from outside the box but the ball kissed over the bar. That was Kenya’s first real chance of the game.
With five minutes left to the half-time whistle, Ogam tested Hakizimana, who had punched the ball back to play before Okwaro saw his effort saved by the keeper to keep the scores 0-0 at the break.
The second half got underway with Rwanda coach Stephen Constantine making four changes. Hakim Hamis, Gilbert Byiringiro, Djihad Biziman, and Joy Lance Mickels were introduced for Kevin Muhire, Obed Uwumukiza, Samuel Gueulette, and Abeddy Biramahire respectively.
Immediately after coming on, Biramahire saw his glancing header go inches wide before Erambo saw his corner from the left side cleared off by a header. Aboud Omar made another timely intervention to clear a cross from Shariff Sabuni.
