Kenya’s Harambee Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Burundi’s Swallows in a gripping Group F encounter at Bingu National Stadium in Malawi in a pivotal match for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification journey.
The game, which was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans and players alike, saw Kenya’s midfielder Duke Abuya come off the bench to score in the 72nd minute, thanks to a precise assist from Austine Odhiambo.
However, the lead was short-lived as Burundi’s Abdallah Sudi, also a substitute, found the net in the 84th minute, leveling the score and thwarting Kenya’s bid for a win.
The draw leaves Harambee Stars in third place in their group, with four points accumulated from a resounding victory over Seychelles and a narrow defeat to Gabon. The team now faces a critical upcoming match against group leaders Ivory Coast, who share six points with Gabon after two matches.
Kenya’s initial dominance in possession and aggressive play was met with a resilient Burundian defense that managed to keep the first half scoreless. The Kenyan team’s offensive efforts were met with a series of crucial saves by the Burundian goalkeeper, maintaining a deadlock at halftime.
The second half saw Burundi emerge with renewed vigor, making strategic substitutions that paid off with an equalizing goal late in the game. Kenya’s lapse in defense provided Sudi the chance to score, resulting in a draw that leaves Kenya with no room for error in their upcoming match against a formidable Ivory Coast side. The Stars must now regroup and focus on securing a victory in what is shaping up to be a must-win game.
