Kenya’s Harambee Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Burundi in a crucial Group F World Cup qualifier match on Friday evening at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
A last-minute defensive lapse saw Kenya drop two vital points, leaving both teams level on four points in the group standings.
The match saw Kenya take a deserved lead in the 72nd minute through substitute Duke Abuya, who slotted home after a neat pass from Austin Odhiambo.
However, an 85th-minute defensive error by Daniel Anyembe allowed Burundi’s Sudi Abdalla to capitalize and rescue a point for the Swallows.
Burundi began the match on the front foot, dominating possession in the opening 10 minutes.
Kenya struggled to settle into the game early on, with Burundi creating the first clear chance when Bienvenue Kanakimana’s dangerous cross was intercepted by Kenyan goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.
Kenya’s first real opportunity came in the 22nd minute from a free kick by Michael Olunga, which hit the wall but sparked a more aggressive approach from the Stars.
The Kenyan side grew into the game, with Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, and Kenneth Muguna leading the charge.
A 28th-minute shot by Akumu forced a save from Burundian keeper Jonathan Nahimana, who was called into action again at the half-hour mark to deny a long-range effort from Odada.
After a goalless first half, Kenya returned with renewed vigor and almost scored five minutes into the second half.
A Timothy Ouma free kick led to a fumble in the box, but Abud Omar’s shot went wide. Burundi responded with a counter-attack that saw Saidi Ntibazonkiza set up Kanakimana, whose shot hit the post.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute when Austin Odhiambo, introduced as a substitute along with Abuya, played a key role. Odhiambo’s pass found Abuya, who calmly finished past Nahimana to give Kenya the lead.
However, Kenya’s shift to a defensive strategy after taking the lead invited pressure from Burundi.
The persistent attacks from the Swallows paid off when Sudi Abdalla pounced on a loose ball mishandled by Anyembe, rounding off Matasi to equalize in the 85th minute.
The result leaves Kenya and Burundi both on four points in Group F, with the Harambee Stars set to face Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
