Harambee Stars ended a difficult international window without a win after playing out a 0-0 draw with regional rivals Rwanda in an international friendly at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Monday.
Kenya went into the fixture seeking a positive result after a mixed start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, but once again struggled to turn possession and attacking spells into goals.
The draw extended Benni McCarthy’s winless run during the international window after Kenya had drawn 1-1 with Eritrea and lost 1-0 away to Guinea in their AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Kenya struggle to create clear chances
The first half was largely cagey, with both sides cancelling each other out and producing few clear-cut opportunities.
McCarthy used the friendly to give several younger and fringe players an opportunity, but Kenya struggled to make their possession count in the final third.
Rwanda’s defence remained organised and dealt comfortably with much of what Harambee Stars produced, leaving the two teams level at the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Rwanda introduced Hakim Hamis for Kévin Muhire as the hosts searched for a breakthrough, but neither side found the quality needed to break the deadlock.
Kenya’s defence ultimately held firm to secure a clean sheet, with goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo among the players who helped prevent Rwanda from finding a winner.
McCarthy faces attacking questions
The result leaves Kenya without a victory from their three matches during the latest international window.
While the friendly offered McCarthy an opportunity to assess players competing for places in his squad, the lack of goals will remain a concern ahead of the resumption of AFCON 2027 qualifying.
Rwanda, meanwhile, entered the match in strong form after winning their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifying matches against Liberia and Cape Verde.
For Kenya, the focus now shifts to improving their attacking output and building greater cohesion before the next round of competitive fixtures.
