Coach Benni McCarthy said Harambee Stars were unable to fully execute their game plan during their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying match against hosts Burundi on Thursday because their opponents were too rough.
McCarthy said the Burundians tried to turn the match into a physical contest rather than a display of skill and fair play.
“Burundi were very physical, and they got away with so much. They weren’t playing football. They played as if they wanted to break our players’ legs. I did not come to Burundi to witness this kind of football,” he said.
He added that the artificial turf at the 22,000-seat Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura did not help matters for the Kenyans, who won 1-0 against the Swallows in Group F.
Because of the challenges they faced, the South African football legend hailed his team’s hard-fought victory as “justice served” against their hosts.
Harambee Stars found the breakthrough in the 73rd minute with a goal by substitute striker Ryan Ogam. Kenya has now secured a second away victory in the qualifiers, following their 5-0 triumph over Seychelles in November 2023.
“We are not used to playing on a surface like this. From the beginning, it made it very tough for us to play,” McCarthy said in a post-match interview.
“I am super proud of my players for their performance in almost impossible conditions. We showed character and determination. We showed that we are a very good soccer nation.”
“To me, what the Burundi national team displayed was not football. But justice was served. The win is fantastic.”
Harambee Stars winger Adam Wilson (left) tussles for the ball with Burundi’s Akbar Muredi in a Group 'F' 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura on October 9, 2025.
Photo credit: Courtesy of FKF
Brian Bwire’s injury forced Kenya to change goalkeepers just two minutes into the match. Bwire had moved well to make a save, but Burundi’s Caleb Bimenyimana, who was charging forward, missed the ball and kicked Bwire in the head. Bimenyimana was sent off for the tackle, and Kenya introduced goalkeeper Byrne Odhiambo.
McCarthy said Bwire suffered a five-inch cut above his eye and criticized the Burundian striker for the tackle.
“As a striker, you should go for the ball, but if you realize you’ll not win it, why put your foot there?” the coach said. He added that after Bwire’s early injury, his team was afraid to express themselves fully in the match.
“It was a difficult game, especially because of the pitch conditions and temperatures. It’s okay to be physical in soccer, but not aggressive. We didn’t enjoy the game, but we are happy with the win,” Olunga said.
However, Kenya failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage, only finding stability in the second half when Timothy Ouma replaced Vincent Harp.
Since March, the Stars have played their home games at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani and the Nyayo National Stadium, both of which have grass pitches.
Burundi coach Patrick Sangwa said he had nothing to celebrate, as their goal had been to win the match.
“Burundi wanted a win, but unfortunately, we didn’t get it. I am not happy, but we played well,” Sangwa said.
A spot in the World Cup was no longer a possibility for either side. The global showpiece will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA from June 11 to July 19 and will see 48 teams compete for top honours.
