Wa Ganyu
As Burundi’s Swallows wheeled away to celebrate the equaliser and point earned with their fans in the stands at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, Kenya players and the technical panel bowed their heads down and head coach Engin Firat shook his head in despair with a 2026 World Cup Qualification campaign so far pointing in multiple directions.
In an all-central African affair, far away from home, Kenya’s Harambee Stars took the lead in the second half after an opening 45 minutes of a barren display that just reduced to flashes of brilliance here and there, with nothing tangible to write about for both sides, except Kenya’s three wasted goal scoring chances.
After recess, Burundi came back the hungrier side, stringing a couple of passes and driving through Kenya’s midfield.
At 57 minutes, Bienevenu Kanakimana did everything he could, sending the Kenyan defence back to Nairobi but his shot, which had already beaten Patrick Matasi on goal, hit the woodwork before ricocheting for a goal kick.
A sizable Burundian crowd, largely from Dzaleka refugee camp, that filled much of the covered stands was left in disbelief, but hopeful.
As they say, it is the hope that kills, what came next was quite unexpected.
At 67 minutes and a couple of chances wasted, Kenya found their moment. This time, Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo who had been thrown in for Timothy Ouma worked his way on the right flank before setting forward a fancy pass to his fellow substitute, Abuya who released a thunderous shot that was punched by Burundian goaltender, Jonathan Nahimana.
But Abuya was not done. Like a thief, he sneaked forward fast enough to earn a rebound opportunity, this time, slotting the ball between Nahimana’s legs to give Kenya their lead.
Since the goal was scored, Kenya pushed forward to look for that elusive double advantage, but Burundi were resolute.
At the 85th minute, and a few half chances lost here and there, Burundians had a moment to remember.
Their striker, Sudi Abdallah saw a ball released from the centre and acted on belief to outmuscle Daniel Anyembe to give himself a clear sight of goal and tapped it past a late advancing Matasi, who mistimed his decision.
What followed next was noise, joy and happiness for the Burundi fans which their coach said was quite unbelievable at the final whistle.
“Honestly, I did not expect to find so many Burundian fans. I have lived in Malawi and I know some Chichewa, but the fans here pushed us forward”, he said.
Even for the fans themselves, this was a day to remember.
“Some of us were born in Malawi at the refugee camp. To see our home country play here the way they did and in a world cup qualifier, it gives us great joy and pride,” said Elvis Mokono.
On his part, Firat could not hide his frustration at a possible two points lost, blaming it on the ‘complexities and challenges’ that extend beyond the football pitch in Kenya.
Three players, including Zak Onyego Vyner from Bristol City, were unable to participate in the match due to a documentation mix-up.
“Sometimes, people should look beyond the field because here, I have learnt not to speak. Things which look so simple can be very difficult in Kenya,” said Firat.
However, with seven more games to play, Firat is upbeat the Harambee Stars still have so much to play for as they build a side to compete in the future.
He then appealed to Malawians to come in large numbers on Tuesday to support Kenya as they take on Ivory Coast who lead their group with nine points.
“It’s not always that you play against African champions, but we are looking forward to the game and hope we will enjoy home support”, he said.
The draw leaves Kenya third in their six-team group, having accumulated three points. They are behind Gabon who have six points. Burundi is fourth, followed by the Gambia and Seychelles.
Kenya are playing their home games away after their stadiums were declared unfit by CAF.
