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Benni McCarthy, Harambee StarsBackpage
Kiplagat Sang

Kenya hand Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy another World Cup qualifier win as former Kaizer Chiefs striker receives red card after tackle on Polokwane City star

Harambee Stars only managed a slim win, even though, they faced a side numerically disadvantaged for the better part of the game. Burundi had to face Kenya without their striker, who was sent off just as the game began for a dangerous tackle on his opponent.

  • Kenya beat Burundi

    Harambee Stars managed a slim 1-0 win over Burundi in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Thursday at Intwari Stadium, Bujumbura.

    Second-half substitute Ryan Ogam scored the goal that separated the Group F rivals and handed Kenya three points. 

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  • Benni McCarthy, Kenya, October 2025Backpage

    How Kenya struggled past Burundi

    From early on, Burundi were numerically disadvantaged after former Kaizer Chiefs striker Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana was shown a straight red card. The forward's reckless tackle on Harambee Stars goalkeeper Brian Bwire not only cost his team, but the Polokwane City keeper had to be substituted after the nasty collision in the fourth minute. 

    Gor Mahia's Byrne Omondi, who was Kenya's regular goalkeeper during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals, was thrown into action to replace Bwire after the collision with the former Chiefs striker. 

    Meanwhile, a change made in the 65th minute proved vital for Kenya; Duke Abuya and Austin Odhiambo were taken off, and Job Ochieng and Ogam came on. 

    In eight minutes, Ogam, with an assist from Michael Olunga, broke the deadlock as Kenya held onto the slim win to register another win in the qualifiers. 

  • Ryan Ogam, Kenya, October 2025Backpage

    McCarthy discovers gem

    Ogam, under McCarthy, has been a phenomenal player for Kenya. The former Tusker striker made his name during the CHAN finals, where Harambee Stars were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Madagascar.

    One of his standout performances during the continental finals was during the group game against Morocco. He scored the goal that saw Kenya stun the eventual champions 1-0 at Kasarani.  

    His goal against Burundi is just a testament to the fact that the striker is growing into a lethal player under McCarthy.

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  • Harambee StarsBackpage

    Kenya's scrappy qualifiers

    In the qualification process, Kenya have not been consistent in churning out positive results. Harambee Stars have so far managed three wins, three draws, and three losses.

    The East Africans started the campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Gabon, followed by a 5-0 win over Seychelles and draws with Burundi (1-1), Ivory Coast (0-0), and Gambia (3-3). They then lost to Gabon (2-1) and Gambia (3-1) before another 5-0 win over Seychelles. 

  • Benni Mccarthy, Kenya National Team

    Morale booster

    The win over Burundi has left Harambee Stars third in the group with 12 points after nine games. Ivory Coast and Gabon, with 20 points and who have played eight games, are first and second, with only one point separating them.

    The win should be welcome for McCarthy and his charges, although their World Cup qualification dream is mathematically not possible.

    Kenya will play Ivory Coast in the final qualifier on Monday.  

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