Afcon 2021 Qualifier: Egypt 1-1 Kenya - Michael Olunga strike denies the hosts

Kenya managed to hold Egypt to a 1-1 draw in their 2021 Afcon qualifying Group G opener on Thursday night.

Mahmoud Kahraba gave the visitors the opening goal in the first half before Michael Olunga leveled matters with 20 minutes to go.

The hosts came into the match with an eye on maximum points against the East African side. 

Patrick Matasi almost gifted the opponents an easy opener in the seventh minute when his goal kick fell to Amro El Solaya, but the latter's effort missed the target by inches.

Three minutes later, the custodian left the field of play after sustaining what looked like a hamstring injury. Ian Otieno took his place in between the posts with the hope of helping Kenya get a decent result away.

Ayub Timbe had the best opportunity in favour of the visitors when he was slipped in the danger zone. The winger managed to dance past several defenders before unleashing a shot which keeper Mohammed El Shenawy parried to safety.

The winger was forced out with an injury after half an hour, and former Mathare United winger Cliff Nyakeya took his position. Eight minutes later, the Egyptians took the lead.

Erick Ouma tried to play with Ian Otieno in goal, but his backpass was short. The custodian tried to clear the danger, but it was intercepted by Mahmoud Kahraba who tapped the ball into an empty net.

After the break, Kenya looked dangerous in search of an equalizer. The Pharaohs were uncharacteristically struggling to get past a Kenyan midfield which won possession at ease.

Egypt was let off the hook by poor finishing in the 60th minute. Nyakeya managed to bring the ball from the left but Olunga miskicked the ball; it was collected by Erick Johanna but the hosts recovered and managed to clear the danger.

Harambee Stars finally got a deserved equalizer in the 67th minute. Mahmoud Alaa made a mistake, gifting the visitors with a dangerous backpass. Kenya grabbed the initiative with Olunga firing the ball into the back of the net.

Neither of the two sides could get a winner despite creating several half chances. It is a decent result for Kenya; the first time Kenya have drawn against Egypt out of five recent meetings.

The Francis Kimanzi -led side have one point, two behind Comoros who defeated hosts Togo by a solitary goal. Kenya will play the former team at Kasarani on Monday.