Harambee Stars boss provide update on goalkeeper Bwire’s injury after Burundi collision
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 10.10.25. | 08:28
It remains unclear how long Bwire will be sidelined, but McCarthy confirmed that the medical team will assess the extent of the cut and possible concussion before making a final determination
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has revealed the extent of the injury suffered by goalkeeper Brian Bwire during Kenya’s 1-0 win over Burundi in Thursday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier in Bujumbura.
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Bwire was stretchered off in the opening minute after a nasty collision with Burundi striker Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, who lunged in a high challenge as he chased a loose ball.
The clash left the Kenyan shot-stopper with a deep cut above his right eye, forcing an early substitution and sparking concern among the Stars’ technical bench.
The incident, which occurred barely 90 seconds into the contest, saw Bimenyimana, a former Kaizer Chiefs forward, receive a straight red card, leaving the Swallows to play almost the entire match with ten men.
Kenya went on to secure victory through Ryan Ogam’s well-taken strike in the 72nd minute.
Speaking after the match, McCarthy expressed his frustration at what he termed “reckless play” that endangered his players.
“In the first minute, your goalkeeper is already receiving medical attention for a five-inch cut above his eye; that’s very dangerous,” said the South African coach.
Brian Bwire joined teammates in celebrating Ryan Ogam's winner against Burundi at Intwari Stadium. Bwire was stretchered off in the fifth minute following a reckless challenge from Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana. Quick recovery Brian. pic.twitter.com/PVAb1pzXPk
— Meshack Kisenge (@kisengemeshack1) October 9, 2025
“As a striker, yes, you go for the ball, but when you see you can’t win it, why still put your foot there? You don’t endanger the goalkeeper like that.”
The Harambee Stars boss admitted that losing his goalkeeper so early disrupted their rhythm and made his players more cautious.
“When you lose your goalkeeper in the first minute of the game, it becomes extra tough because my players were reserved after that; they didn’t want to risk further injuries,” McCarthy added.
Bwire, who plays for Polokwane City in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, was making his fifth international appearance and second consecutive start for Kenya, having featured in the team’s 5-0 win over Seychelles last month.
The 24-year-old has been in fine form for Polokwane this season, keeping three clean sheets in seven league appearances, and has established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper before joining the national team camp.
His replacement on Thursday, Byrne Omondi, produced a solid display, including a vital late save, to preserve Kenya’s clean sheet and secure a valuable away win.
It remains unclear how long Bwire will be sidelined, but McCarthy confirmed that the medical team will assess the extent of the cut and possible concussion before making a final determination.
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