The game swung dramatically in Kenya’s favor early on when Burundi’s star forward, Caleb Bimenyimana, was shown a straight red card in just the 5th minute for a reckless challenge.
Playing with 10 men from the start, Burundi showed resilience, holding off wave after wave of Kenyan attacks.
But the breakthrough eventually came in the 72nd minute. Michael Olunga, Kenya’s captain and talisman, delivered a perfectly timed assist to rising star Ryan Ogam, who slotted the ball home with calm precision to seal the win for the visitors.
The result lifts Kenya to third place in Group F with 12 points, leapfrogging both Gambia and Burundi, who now sit fourth and fifth respectively with 10 points each.
However, the Harambee Stars still trail second-placed Gabon by seven points and leaders Ivory Coast by eight.
With only one group match remaining (against Ivory Coast), Kenya faces a tense finish. Their final fixtures are against Gambia, who are level on points with Burundi, and bottom-placed Somalia, who are yet to earn a single point.
Kenya must win both matches and hope for slip-ups from Gabon and Ivory Coast to have any chance of qualifying directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Burundi’s hopes now hang by a thread. The early red card proved to be a turning point in what was otherwise a balanced contest, and they will need to regroup quickly to stay in the race.
As it stands, Group F remains wide open below the top two, with four teams separated by just two points.
Kenya’s narrow win in Bujumbura might just be the momentum shift they needed in their World Cup quest. The race is far from over.
Post a Comment
0Comments