Kenya’s Harambee Stars dropped two critical points on Friday evening due to a last-minute defensive error, resulting in a 1-1 draw against Burundi in a crucial Group F World Cup qualifying match at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Substitute Duke Abuya came off the bench to give Kenya a deserved 1-0 lead in the 72nd minute. However, a costly defensive lapse by Daniel Anyembe in the 85th minute allowed Burundi to equalize, with Sudi Abdalla capitalizing on a stray ball to rescue a point for The Swallows.
Kenya now ranks third in Group F, tied with Burundi at four points. The group also includes Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, and Seychelles.
Match Overview
Burundi dominated the opening ten minutes, with Gael Bigirimana, Mokono Eldhino, and Abedi Bigirimana controlling the midfield. Kenya took time to settle, allowing Bienvenue Kanakimana to break down the right wing and release a dangerous cross, which Kenyan goalkeeper Patrick Matasi intercepted.
At the half-hour mark, Nahimana was called into action again, saving a long-range attempt from Richard Odada. This was Kenya’s last clear goal-scoring opportunity in the first half, which ended in a 0-0 deadlock.
The second half saw a more aggressive Kenya. Five minutes in, Nahimana failed to hold onto a Timothy Ouma free-kick, but Abud Omar fired wide from long range after a blunder in the box. Burundi quickly responded with a counterattack led by Bigirimana, setting up Saidi Ntibazonkiza to release Kanakimana, whose effort was thwarted by Matasi.
In the 62nd minute, Kenya nearly took the lead when Timothy Ouma rounded off fullback Akbar Muderi before firing a loping ball that Nahimana stopped with his fingertips.
Tactical Changes and Defensive Errors
Sensing danger, Coach Engin Firat substituted Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo and Duke Abuya for Ouma and Cliffton Miheso. The move paid off when Odhiambo found Abuya with a lovely pass, which he tapped past an advancing Nahimana.
However, things went awry for Kenya after taking the lead. Firat’s decision to switch to a defensive style of play favored Burundi. With Kenya playing from behind and attempting to maintain possession, Burundi kept pressing. Anyembe’s error allowed Abdalla to round off Matasi and score into an open net.
Firat’s substitution of second-half replacement Austin Odhiambo for FKF Premier League top scorer Benson Omalla proved ineffective, as Kenya squandered two crucial points.
Upcoming Match
Kenya’s next encounter is against Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast on Tuesday at the same venue.
Kenya’s Starting Lineup Against Burundi
Goalkeeper: Patrick Matasi
Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa, Daniel Anyembe, Rooney Onyango, Abud Omar
Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Kenneth Muguna, Cliffton Miheso, Timothy Ouma
Forward: Michael Olunga
Substitutes
Byrne Omondi, Ian Otieno, Collins Sichenje, Alphonce Omija, Baron and John Ochieng, Chrispine Erambo, Duke Abuya, Austin Odhiambo, John Avire, Benson Omalla.
Reported By Meshack Awino.
