Brave Harambee Stars hold Ivory Coast in World Cup qualifier

Harambee Stars held African champions Ivory Coast to a goalless draw in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Bingu stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Tuesday.

This result marks a significant achievement for the Stars, making them the first team to snatch a point from the Elephants, who had been riding a three-game winning streak in Group F.

Kenya currently sits in position 107 in the men's Fifa World ranking whereas Ivory Coast are placed in position 38.

Kenya had golden opportunities to seize the lead, notably when captain Michael Olunga squandered a brilliant chance following a swift counterattack.

Ivory Coast's substitute Diakite Oumar nearly secured victory for the Elephants, only to see his effort cannon off the woodwork.

Earlier, Kenya played to a 1-1 draw against Burundi on Friday, with Duke Abuya netting the opener in the 72nd minute before Abdallah Sudi equalized for Burundi in the 85th.

Kenya still sits third in the group with five points behind Gabon who have six and leaders Ivory Coast with 10 points.