Download our app
In the quest for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Harambee Stars are gearing up for pivotal qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi. Under the guidance of Turkish tactician Engin Firat, the team is determined to secure their first-ever ticket to the global stage.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Kenya’s campaign in Group F began with a setback, a 2-1 loss to Gabon, but the team rebounded with a resounding 5-0 victory over Seychelles. As they prepare for their third match against Burundi on June 7th, followed by a clash with the reigning African champions Ivory Coast, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Elijah Onsika, a former Kenyan striker and current Technical Director at a top Kenyan University, emphasizes the importance of not underestimating their opponents. With both Kenya and Burundi sitting on three points in the group, Onsika warns against complacency. “Nowadays, we don’t have underdogs in football,” he states, urging the Harambee Stars to bring their utmost effort to the pitch.
The Swallows of Burundi, boasting a squad with talents like Mohammed Amissi of Feyenoord and Bienvenu Kanakimana of FK Jablonec, present a formidable challenge. Their intimate knowledge of Kenyan football, gained from many players’ experiences in the Kenyan league, adds an extra layer of complexity to the upcoming match.
As the Harambee Stars continue their training in Malawi, the anticipation builds. Will this be the year Kenya makes history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Harambee Stars are ready for battle, and they won’t go down without a fight.
