Five key battles likely to decide Kenya vs Burundi clash
Reading Time: 4min | Thu. 09.10.25. | 12:00
McCarthy, and his charges are seeking Kenya’s first victory over Burundi in a major tournament since 2009
There will be individual battles all over the pitch and off the pitch when Burundi face Kenya today, Thursday, 9 October, but six of them are likely to determine the winner of the match.
The two teams will clash in a 2026 World Cup qualifier match at the 22,000-seater Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura, Burundi, from 1600 hrs.
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The match is a dead rubber as neither team stands a chance of qualifying for the global tourney. However, both are keen to grab the bragging rights, use it to build their respective teams, as well as improve the FIFA standings.
As it stands, Kenya are fifth on the six-team group standings with nine points, a point and position below Burundi. Ivory Coast leads the group with 20 points, one more than second-placed Gabon.
Both Burundi and Kenya named strong squads for their match, including the return of Austin Odhiambo into the Kenyan fold.
Mozzart Sport looks at some of the six battles that may decide the winner of the Burundi versus Kenya duel.
Michael Olunga vs Christophe Nduwarugira
Once again, Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is expected to lead the line for his country as has been the case over the last decade.
The 31-year-old has proved to be a reliable source of goals for Kenya, his brace against Seychelles equalling the 34 goals scored by the legendary Dennis Oliech.
The former Gor Mahia star is now just one goal shy of equalling the 35 goals by Harambee Stars all-time goalscorer William ‘Chege’ Ouma, which has stood for 48 years.
To increase his tally, the Al-Arabi striker will have to overcome Burundi’s Christophe Nduwarugira, who will be the man tasked with marking him.
The 31-year-old who plies his trade in Indonesia with Borneo will also be banking on his experience to not only stop Kenya but also delay Olunga’s personal gratification in what promises to be a fierce battle that will sway the game.
Caleb Bimenyimana vs Sylvester Owino
On the other end of the pitch, Burundi will be relying on Caleb Bimenyimana to find the back of Kenya’s net.
The 27-year-old will be keen to use his prowess and experience from the Saudi second-tier to help his country record a win on home soil.
However, the former Kaizer Chiefs man will be under tight marking from Gor Mahia’s Sylvester Owino, whose rise in the national team has been steady.
The 24-year-old has been the most consistent figure at the heart of Kenya’s defense over the last year, proving his worth whether in matches involving international players or locally based players, as in the case of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
For Kenya to get a clean sheet, it must start with Owino silencing Bimenyimana.
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Duke Abuya vs Jean Girumugisha
Young Africans (Yanga) attacking midfielder Duke Abuya is expected to be the man tasked with providing creativity as well as orchestrating chances for the Harambee Stars.
Abuya was impressive in Kenya’s last two matches against The Gambia and Seychelles, respectively. Additionally, the former Kariobangi Sharks man scored Kenya’s goal in the 1-1 draw in the first leg.
21-year-old Jean Gimurugisha, who turns out for Al-Hilal Omburman in Sudan, will not only be keen to silence Abuya but also influence his team’s attack as they battle in midfield.
Alpha Chris Onyango vs Abedi Bigirimana
At the heart of midfield, Gor Mahia's Alpha Chris Onyango will battle it out with Abedu Bigirimana to ensure their respective teams control proceedings in the middle of the park.
Onyango has been a key figure for Kenya since coach Benni McCarthy took charge and has become a fan favourite with his ability to control the tempo of the game, earning admiration from the Kenyan faithful.
On the other hand, Bigirimana, who plies his trade with Police FC of Rwanda, has also been an asset for Burundi in the middle of the park during these qualifiers.
Benni McCarthy vs Patrick Sangwa
The match’s other battle will take place at the touchline, where Kenya’s Benni McCarthy will face Patrick Sangwa of Burundi in a tactical battle.
Both tacticians will be keen to get their tactics right and set up their teams in a way that will maximize their strong areas while diminishing each other's influence.
For McCarthy, he will also be seeking Kenya’s first victory over Burundi in a major tournament since 2009.
