Burundians’ Carnival support denies Kenya from replicating their Four-Nation tournament glory

The Harambe Stars were stunned late by Burundi at home away from home as points were shared at Bingu National Stadium on Friday in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Some quarters of fans travelled from Burundi to Malawi to support the Swallows while Kenya had their state-sponsored bus failing to make a trip to give their team vocal support. Kenya were at home but Burundi snatched the home atmosphere from the hosts.

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With coach Engin Firat handed having a star-studded squad including IF Elfsborg youngster Timothy Ouma and returned of Cliffton Miheso of AFC Leopards after a long period, Kenya had Lions share of possession against the minnows.

Kenya was hoping to get an easy win over the Swallows after their good record over [2W, 4D] but the results were vice versa. With Ivory Coast and Gabon all yet to play their third round of the Qualifiers, Kenya had the chance to go joint-top but the draw leaves them third with points from three games, and so too with Burundi who are fourth.

After asking for many times, the hosts took the lead in the 71st minute after second-half substitute Austin Odhiambo orchestrated an attack from the left. The Gor Mahia’s attacking midfielder passed the ball to Duke Abuya whose stinging shot was initially blocked but he swiftly followed up with a rebound, giving the keeper, Ndikumana no chance to react.

Kenya were hoping to hung on to their slender lead but the Burundians urged their players to fight back.

The visitors brought the parity in the 85th minute after a costly blunder and miscommunication in Kenya’s defense.

Daniel Anyembe lost possession in the penalty area, and Burundi swiftly capitalized on the mistake as Sudi Abdallah seized the opportunity, coolly placing the ball past goalkeeper Matasi to level the score.

Kenya are not able to host matches on their home soil after all the stadia were not proven by CAF. Playing away from home in Lilongwe, Harambe Stars couldn’t withstand the vocal support that Burundians were giving to their boys. The visitors outnumbered the hosts.

Harambee Stars had hoped to enjoy some support when a number of fans planned to travel to Malawi for the match, as well as Tuesday’s clash against African champions Ivory Coast, but the trip ran into headwinds after a misunderstanding between organisers Kenya Football Fans Federation (KEFOFA) and Trade CS Moses Kuria, reports Pulse Kenya.

According to KEFOFA, Kuria was supposed to facilitate the road trip to Malawi but opted against paying for it at the last minute, offering National Youth Service buses instead, which also failed to get released on time, and the result was a quiet atmosphere for the home team while the away side enjoyed great support.