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Wasteful Kenya draw with 10-man Comoros at Kasarani

Kenya's Masud Juma (right) celebrates his goal against Comoros during their 2021 Afcon qualifier at Kasarani on November 11, 2020.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Youssef Mchangama had given the visitors a lead in the first half with a delicious free-kick before he was sent off minutes later. Kenya made use of their advantage in the second half and Masud Juma vollyed home the equaliser in the 65th minute.
  • The hosts were unable to find the winner and Comoros will certainly be happy with the point that leaves top of the group with five points.

Jacob Mulee's first match back as coach of Harambee Stars ended in a stalemate as the hosts settled for a 1-1 draw with 10-man Comoros in Group G 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Wednesday.

Youssef M'Changama had given the visitors the lead on 26 minutes with a delicious free-kick. He, however, turned from hero to villain when he was sent off with five minutes remaining in the opening half for a second bookable offence.

Kenya made use of their advantage in the second half and Masud Juma volleyed home the equaliser in the 65th minute.

Comoros' Yousof Mchangama celebrates his goal against Kenya during their 2021 Afcon qualifier at Kasarani on November 11, 2020.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

Kenya's Masud Juma celebrates his goal against Comoros during their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on November 11, 2020.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

Kenya's Boniface Muchiri vies for the ball with Ben Youssouf of Comoros during their 2021 Afcon qualifier at Moi International sports Centre, Kasarani on November 11,2020.

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

But Harambee Stars coach Mulee insisted he was satisfied with the result in his fifth bow in charge of this team at the dugout.

"Comoros are a good side. We created alot of chances in the second half, tried everything but could not score. We leave for Comoros on Friday (tomorrow) and with what I saw today we have a chance to get a good result over there."

Harambee Stars coach Jacob "Ghost" Mulee reacts on the touchline.

Harambee Stars coach Jacob "Ghost" Mulee reacts on the touchline during their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Comoros at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on November 11, 2020.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

An angry Comoros coach Amir Abdou refused to address the media after the match.

M'Changama beat experienced Kenyan keeper Arnold Origi with a curling free-kick from 30 yards after captain Victor Wanyama's foul was deemed to have illegally stopped a Comoros attack.

Comoros' Yousof Mchangama celebrates his goal against Kenya during their 2021 Afcon qualifier at Kasarani on November 11, 2020.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

Kenya goal keeper Arnold Origi in action against Comoros during their 2021 Afcon qualifier at Kasarani on November 11, 2020.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

Forward Masoud Juma, who had loads of opportunities to score in the evening encounter, equalised via an acrobatic shot after 65 minutes off an Eric Johanna assist.

Deputy President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga were among the few dignitaries allowed entry at the 60,000 seater venue, following a government ban on gatherings in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Deputy President William Ruto (second right) watches the 2021 Afcon qualifier between Kenya and Comoros at Kasarani on November 11, 2020.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

The two politicians saw a lethargic Harambee Stars create two clear cut chances in the first 45 minutes but conspired to fluff them both.

First, the towering Brian Mandela rose highest to meet an Ayub Timbe free kick in the opening minute but could only head wide with only goalkeeper to beat.

Then Cliff Nyakeya found space inside the box to let fly a powerful left footed drive but Comoros keeper Ahamada Ali, who was the stand out players in this match, parried the shot away.

Harambee Stars' Cliff Nyakeya controls the ball during their 2021 Afcon qualifier against Comoros at Kasarani on November 11, 2020.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

Ben Youssouf of Comoros (left) vies for the ball with Harambee Stars' Joseph Okumu during their 2021 Afcon qualifier at Moi International sports Centre, Kasarani on November 11,2020.

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

In between Kassim Abdalla also missed a free header with the scores still barren.

Kenya had the most of the chances in the second half with Abdou Najim clearing an Eric Johanna goal bound shot off the line with Ali well beaten.

Kenya also had a shout for a penalty waved away as Juma appeared to have been hacked to the ground while chasing down in Ali's goal.

The result leaves Kenya with three points from as many games ahead of the return leg between these two teams in Moroni on Sunday.

Kenya's Victor Wanyama (right) vies for the ball with Comoros' Ali Madi during their 2021 Afcon qualifier at Kasarani on November 11,2020.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

Kenya's Johana Omollo, Brian Mandela and captain Victor wanyama complain to the referee during their 2021 Afcon qualifier against Comoros at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on November 11,2020.

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

Comoros are top of the group with five points with the other teams in the group, Egypt and Togo, set to meet in Cairo on Saturday.

A win for Egypt will take them to the summit of Group G, while victory for Claude le Roy's Togo will move them into second place.