Super sub Ogam makes the difference in Burundi vs Kenya World Cup 2026 qualifier

• The Burundi vs Kenya game was played on Thursday at the Intwari Stadium.
• Ryan Ogam came off the bench to score the all-important goal.
• The win, Kenya’s third in Group F and fifth under coach Benny McCarthy, catapults the nation into third place in the group standings on 12 points.

Second half substitute Ryan Ogam inspired the Harambee Stars to a narrow 0-1 away win against Burundi in a penultimate FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier played at the Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura.

The win, Kenya’s third in Group F and fifth under coach Benny McCarthy, catapults the nation into third place in the group standings on 12 points.

The match was marred by an explosive start and Burundi’s hopes took a massive hit just moments after the kickoff whistle when forward Caleb Bimenyimana was shown a straight red card for a reckless boot to the face of Kenya goalkeeper Brian Bwire.

The nasty collision forced Bwire to be stretchered off after a lengthy medical examination, with Byrne Omondi replacing him in goal.

Despite playing with a man advantage for nearly the entire match, Kenya struggled to break down a resilient Burundian defence in the first half.

ALSO READ: Burundi vs Harambee Stars Player Ratings: Ogam the saviour, Harper struggles as McCarthy’s men edge stubborn Swallows

McCarthy handed a debut to Walsall defender Vincent Harper at left back, who was cautioned in the 16th minute.

Burundi, despite the disadvantage, nearly took the lead two minutes later, but Omondi produced a crucial save to deny Romeo Banza. Captain Michael Olunga came closest for Kenya just before the break, teeing up Adam Wilson, whose powerful shot from outside the box was brilliantly saved.

McCarthy reacted at the start of the second half, withdrawing debutant Harper for Timothy Ouma and shifting Manzur Okwaro to leftback.

However, the game changing moment came in the 65th minute when McCarthy made a double substitution, introducing Ryan Ogam and Job Ochieng for Austin Odhiambo and Duke Abuya.

The move paid off instantly. Just seven minutes after coming on, Ogam exchanged a slick pass with Olunga before firing home the decisive goal, finally breaking the deadlock and handing the Harambee Stars a crucial lead.

The score remained 1-0 until the final whistle, sealing three vital points on the road for the Kenyan side.

Focus for McCarthy and the Harambee Stars now shifts to their next where they face group leaders Ivory Coast on Tuesday in Abidjan.