2026 Fifa World Cup: Kenya Beat Burundi for First Time in 16 Years

A lone strike by the Austria based Ryan Ogam secured Kenya's first win over Burundi in 16 years in their Group F 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Ogam struck in the 72nd minute to seal the win after his sixth goal in eight appearances for Kenya's national football team Harambee Stars in evenly contested encounter. The goal was scored after former Nairobi City Stars midfielder Timothy Ouma who had substituted Vincent Harper won a loose ball in midfield and quickly linked with Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, who turned sharply before threading a perfect pass to Ogam. The Austrian-based forward wasted no time, curling a left-footed strike into the top corner past the Burundian goalie Nahimana Jonathan, who could only watch as the ball sailed into the net. The win not only secured Kenya’s third win of the campaign but also lifted them to third place in the group with 12 points. The last time Kenya beat Burundi in 90 minutes was back in 2009 when Osborn Monday's penalty sent Harambee Stars to the semi-finals of the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup. Last month, Ogam netted twice in the 5-0 rout of Seychelles in Nairobi and had earlier found the target in the 3-1 defeat to The Gambia.