Nairobi — Harambee Stars' blunt striking force was to blame as they failed to convert numerous opportunities that came their way and had to be content with a barren draw with hosts Swaziland at the Somhlolo National stadium in Mbabane.

Harambee Stars coach Jacob "Ghost" Mulee in a pensive mood against Swaziland in their first leg match of the African Nations Cup qualifiers at the Nyayo National Stadium on March 25. Mulee has his work cut out for him as he faces Eritrea and Angola next in the qualifiers after yesterday's goalless draw away to Swaziland. Photo/CHRIS OMOLLO

The draw put paid to Kenya hopes of jumping to second position in Group Six. It also means Kenya could miss out on one of the three best losers slots as the race for a ticket to travel to Ghana for next year's Africa Nations Cup finals gets hots up.

With their group rivals Angola and Eritrea also settling for a 1-1 draw in Asmara, Kenya stays in third slot with four points, while Angola have retained their top slot with unassailable 10 points.

With the head to head count to be used, Angola beat Eritrea 6-1 in Luanda and their 1-1 draw in Asmara means they need only one point to be make sure of their top place finish.

Yesterday, Kenya were robbed of a deserved lead on the stroke of full time after captain Robert Mambo had headed in a cross from Patrick Oboya, with the match referee penalising him for pushing.

Winger Titus Mulama also failed to beat a charging Swaziland keeper in the 55th minute, having been put clear.

His low shot was blocked by the goalkeeper for a fruitless corner.

However, prior to the two incidents, Mambo had the best chance of the game but ended up hitting the ball over the bar with the Swaziland goalkeeper well beaten.

Mambo was only required to tap in the ball in the 37th minute but was left holding his head as he saw his shot sail over the bar.

However, while on a counter attack a minute later, Swaziland talisman Tony Tsabedza saw his best chance to score thwarted by an alert Arnold Origi, who picked the ball off his legs after he was put through, thanks to a mis-hit clearance by the rusty Norway-based defender George Waweru.

With the hosts piling more pressure on Kenya, Waweru was on the mark again and almost scored an own goal as he ran into the path of a cross from the Swaziland winger, forcing Origi to dive full length to palm it round the post. Then Swaziland squandered their first resultant corner.

The Harambee Stars defence was in a disarray as the two teams approached the end of the first half in a desperate move to break the deadlock.

Waweru conceded a free-kick by fouling Tsabedza about 22 metres from the Kenya goal but Swaziland striker failed to beat the Harambee Stars wall.

Coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee opted to utilise only Nantes striker Dennis Oliech upfront while McDonald Mariga, Mambo, and Titus Mulama worked hard to hold the midfield compact, winning most of the 50-50 balls.

Israel-based Jamal Mohammed was instrumental in supplying crosses to the players from the right wing and Oliech would have done better in the 18th minute as he beat two Swaziland defenders but failed to control the ball and score.

Swaziland were more comfortable with long balls, aiming to go beyond the midfield as their players had the tendency to use the wingers.

Mulee substituted injured Oliech with Allan Wanga.

The Nantes striker was struggling with a knee injury, having played the 60 minutes with a strapped thigh.

Andrew Oyombe came in for Austine Makacha while Oboya replaced Mohammed.

There were five yellow cards to Mariga, Waweru and Makacha for Harambee Stars while Wonder Nhleko and Mpile Tsabedza were booked for the Swaziland team.