Harambee Stars secured a dramatic and essential 1-0 victory against Burundi this evening in a critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played in Burundi, with substitute Ryan Ogam Rabok emerging as the hero with the decisive goal.
The match began in dramatic fashion when the hosts were reduced to ten men in the second minute. Burundi’s Caleb Bimenyimana was shown a red card for a reckless foul on Kenya’s starting goalkeeper, Brian Okoth, forcing an immediate substitution that brought Bryne Omondi into the game.
Harambee Stars, capitalizing on the numerical advantage, dominated possession but had to wait until the 72nd minute for the breakthrough.
The winning moment came when Rabok, who had replaced Austine Odhiambo, connected with a signature pass from captain Michael Olunga.
The substitute struck the ball sweetly from the 18-yard line, finding the back of the net to hand the Kenyan side a crucial away win.
Despite the victory, the result cements the difficult path to qualification, as Kenya is currently confirmed not to qualify for the World Cup, placing them on 12 points alongside the relegated Burundi and The Gambia on the log.
Harambee Stars will immediately turn their attention to their next challenge, a daunting fixture against group leaders Ivory Coast on Tuesday in Abidjan.
By Samson Jura
