Kenya vs Burundi: Harambee Stars Drop Points in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

• Harambee Stars were held to a disappointing one-all draw by Burundi in a World Cup qualifier match on June 7 in Lilongwe, Malawi
• Sudi Abdallah cancelled out Duke Abuya's goal five minutes from time to leave Kenya with only four points after three games played
• Kenya's next game is a daunting task as they are set to face reigning Africa champions Ivory Coast on June 11 at the same venue

Kenya's football team, Harambee Stars, lost valuable ground in their pursuit of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup when they dropped points against Burundi on June 7.

The game, despite being a home fixture for Kenya, was played at the Bingu National Stadium in Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, due to the absence of a FIFA-accredited stadium in the country.

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Duke Abuya thought he had won the game for Kenya, only for Burundi to respond with a late equaliser from Abdallah Sudi.

Kenya vs Burundi match report

Kenya's head coach, Engin Firat, was forced to ring up some changes with two of his first-choice defenders, Joseph Okumu and Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma, sitting out with injuries. Daniel Anyembe partnered Johnstone Omurwa at the heart of the defence, with Richard Odada and Anthony Akumu playing in a double pivot ahead of them.

Burundi started the better of the two teams, with their captain, Saidi Ntibazonkiza, wiggling his way beautifully around the Kenyan midfield.

Richard Odada's chances

Harambee Stars grew into the game, with Richard Odada having a series of chances from long-range efforts. The first of these came in the 11th minute when the Denmark-based midfielder let fly from the left flank with his shot ricocheting off the crossbar.

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His second attempt came after half-hearted penalty appeals in the Burundi box and a Michael Olunga free-kick that didn't get past the wall.

Timothy Ouma was the first player to go into the referee's book after he misjudged the bounce of the ball and wiped off his opponent's feet. The U-20 striker then delivered a couple of inviting balls into the area as Kenya angled to break the deadlock before the break.

Olunga was presented with a perfect chance to fire Kenya ahead in the 28th minute, with the team captain left in a one-on-one position with the goalkeeper near the edge of the area. The former Gor Mahia striker fired his effort wide.

After the break, Burundi made two changes, which almost resulted in an instant result. Henry Musaga struck the foot of the post with Patrick Matasi well-beaten in the Kenyan goal. There was a brief pause in play after a nasty clash of heads involving Olunga.

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Duke Abuya's goal against Burundi

Firat introduced Austine Odhiambo and Duke Abuya in the 65th minute. The duo combined for Kenya's goal seven minutes later with Odhiambo setting up Abuya for a close-range finish.

A defensive lapse on the opposite end five minutes from time allowed Sudi to shake off Anyembe before rounding off Matasi to draw the Swallows level.

The result leaves Kenya third with four points ahead of the showdown against AFCON champions Ivory Coast on Tuesday next week. The Elephants lead the group with six points, the same as Gabon, whom they play on Friday night.

Greatest Kenyan footballers of all time

Sports Brief has previously reported that Kenneth Muguna named his Kenyan football GOATs.

Muguna is one of the current mainstays of the Harambee Stars set-up. The attacking midfielder is widely travelled and experienced with different stints in Albania and Tanzania.

The Kenya Police star named his current captain Olunga and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama as his best players.