Kenya’s Harambee Stars are set to face off against Burundi this Thursday at Intwari Stadium in a crucial international friendly, with head coach Benni McCarthy unveiling a bold starting XI that blends experience and emerging talent.
Captain Michael Olunga leads the line alongside debutant Tyrell Harper and the versatile Wilson Sado, as Kenya looks to fine-tune its squad ahead of upcoming continental qualifiers.
With an overhauled midfield and a solid defensive unit, the Stars are aiming to make a statement on the road.
This article provides a minute-by-minute live blog for the match.
5: 35 pm – Ryan Ogam scores for Kenya
HALF TIME – BURUNDI 0 – 0 KENYA
4:45: PM – Referee blows the whistle to end the first half.
4:38 pm – 36′ – Nahimana Jonathan makes a spectacular one- handed save to prevent Lenkupea from opening the scoreline.
Stats first 30 mins
Possession – Burundi 65% – 35% Kenya
Corner Kicks – Burundi 1 – o Kenya
Red Cards – Burundi 1 – 0 Kenya
Fouls – Burundi 1 – 3 Kenya
GK Saves – Burundi 0 – 1 Kenya
4:32 pm – 32′ Game still stopped, Burundi player receiving treatment on-field
4:31 pm – Mohammed Manzur shown a yellow card
4: 23 pm – 17′ Vincent Harper is shown a yellow card.
4:09 pm – 5′ Bimenyimana BonFils Caleb is shown a red card. Burundi down to 10 men
4:08 pm – Brian Bwire is stretchered off after picking up an injury. Byrne Omondi comes on to take his place.
4:05 pm – 3′ Brian Bwire is seriously injured on the head
4:02 pm – 0′ Match Starts
3:10 pm: Line-ups announced
Kenya Starting XI vs Burundi
- Patrick Matasi Bwire
- Daniel Sichenje
- Sylvester Owino
- Richard Onyango
- Mohammed Manzur
- Austine Odhiambo
- Duke Abuya
- Kennedy Lenkupea
- Michael Olunga (Captain)
- Wilson Sado
- Tyrell Harper
Substitutes
Faruk Shikhalo
Byrne Omondi
Alphonce Omija
Michael Kibwage
Daniel Sakari
Timothy Ouma
Ben Stanley
Marvin Nabwire
Job Ochieng
Boniface Muchiri
Ryan Ogam
Lawrence Okoth
Burundi Starting XI vs Kenya
- Nahimana Jonathan
- Muderi Akbar
- Marco Weymans
- Moussa Omar
- Christophe Nduwarugira C
- Msanga Henry
- Gael Bigirimana
- Girumugisha Jean Claude
- Bienvenue Kanakimana
- Roméo Vancy Mabanza
- Bimenyimana BonFils Caleb
More to follow…
Kenya needed this win, especially after some tough matches. Ryan Ogam stepping up is exactly what the team needed. I hope they can maintain this form going forward!