Kenya’s Harambee Stars battled past an early scare to defeat 10-man Burundi 1–0 on Thursday in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash at Stade Intwari. PHOTO| FFB
Kenya’s Harambee Stars battled past an early scare to defeat 10-man Burundi 1–0 on Thursday in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash at Stade Intwari.
The winner came in the 73rd minute, when substitute Ryan Ogam curled home a left-footed strike after a clever pass from captain Michael Olunga. The goal sealed a vital three points for Kenya in Group F.
Burundi were reduced to ten men just seven minutes into the match after striker Bonfils Bimenyimana was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Bwire. The collision forced Bwire off with a cut above his eye, bringing debutant Byrne Omondi into action. Omondi rose to the occasion, producing key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Kenya pressed forward in the second half, with Olunga twice denied before Ogam finally broke the deadlock. Burundi, despite the numerical disadvantage, showed flashes of danger on set-pieces but failed to convert.
Coach Benni McCarthy lauded his side’s resilience but criticized the conditions. “This wasn’t a football match, it was survival,” he said. “The pitch was poor and the game too physical, but we stayed strong and got the win.”
The victory strengthens Kenya’s push for a World Cup berth, while Burundi face a steep climb in Group F. Kenya will host Namibia in their next qualifier, while Burundi look to regroup against Tanzania.
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