In opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match, the African champions Ivory Coast were held to a scoreless draw by the Harambee Stars thanks to a superb effort

On Tuesday, June 11, in Lilongwe, Malawi, the Harambee Stars defeated the African champions Ivory Coast 0-0 through a superb performance. This was a FIFA World Cup qualifier for 2026.

The Harambee Stars had two excellent opportunities to seal the victory in the first half, but captain Michael Olunga was very direct up front. The opening quarter of the game started slowly, with neither team looking particularly dangerous. Although Kenya’s conservative approach of sitting deep and blocking Ivorian passes through the channels initially proved effective, Olunga’s isolation up front prevented any early offensive attempts from succeeding.

The first meaningful attempt of the game came in the 23rd minute when Seko Fofana’s long-range strike just missed the crossbar. At that point, the action really got going. After that, both sides tried harder to score.

Olunga’s long-range attempt and a free kick by Kenya both managed to find the goal, although Ivory Coast’s defense allowed them to miss a few wide opportunities. Just before the interval, Matasi made a stop on a free kick to end the first half.

Ivory Coast pressed early in the second half, but Kenya’s defense held firm. The second half was interrupted by Jeremy Boga’s yellow card in the 53rd minute, numerous substitutions, and corners. Kenneth Muguna and Timothy Ouma of the Harambee Stars were rested, and Erambo Chris and Duka Abuya were brought in. Kenya’s counterattacks often failed because they were poorly executed in the latter third.

Kenya’s greatest opportunity came in the 71st minute when Olunga’s strike was deflected off the line. Later, in the 82nd minute, Fofana stopped a pressured shot by Olunga. In the 84th minute, Diakite of Ivory Coast struck the crossbar, setting up a frantic finish, but Kenya’s defense held strong to secure the draw. Even with late pressure from Ivory Coast, the game ended goalless.

Kenya has only won against a reigning African champion four times in 19 meetings, most recently in this draw. The Harambee Stars responded positively to a 1-1 draw with Burundi, holding the African champions—who had not lost in the qualifiers—in the match.

Kenya has five points from four games, good for third place in their group right now. The next round of qualifying is scheduled for March 2025.