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Kenya's national football team, the Harambee Stars, will play Burundi today in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, a match vital for national pride and FIFA rankings despite both teams being out of contention for the global tournament.
The Harambee Stars are set to clash with Burundi's Swallows today, Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM EAT at the Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura. This 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, while no longer a path to the global showpiece for either nation, carries immense weight for regional bragging rights and crucial FIFA ranking points.
Kenya, currently fifth in Group F with nine points after eight games, trails Burundi by a single point, who sit fourth with ten points. The previous encounter between these East African rivals in the current qualifying cycle ended in a 1-1 draw.
The rivalry between the Harambee Stars and the Swallows has historically been intense and evenly matched. In eight previous official encounters, both teams have secured two wins each, with four matches ending in a draw. The average goals scored in these direct head-to-head matches is notably low, at just 0.40 goals per game, indicating a tendency for cagey affairs.
The Harambee Stars have faced challenges with home ground advantage in recent qualifiers, having to use the Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, for some matches due to the closure of Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium for renovations.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has recently undergone leadership changes, with Hussein Mohammed taking over as president. This transition saw the resignation of former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat in December 2024, following Kenya's failure to qualify for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Benni McCarthy assumed the role of head coach in March 2025, succeeding an interim coach. His tenure marks a new direction for the team, with a focus on building a squad for future tournaments, particularly the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has expressed optimism about the team's preparation and fighting spirit, aiming for an away victory against Burundi. Defender Daniel Sakari highlighted the importance of these remaining qualifiers as a foundation for the 2027 AFCON.
Burundi coach Patrick Sangwa has conveyed confidence in his squad, noting the absence of injury concerns and stressing the team's readiness to perform. He also indicated that the focus for Burundi, having missed out on the 2025 AFCON, is now on preparing for the 2027 edition.
While the immediate goal of World Cup qualification is out of reach, these matches are crucial for improving FIFA rankings, which can influence future tournament seedings. A strong performance could boost team morale and public confidence ahead of the 2027 AFCON. Conversely, poor results could dampen enthusiasm and raise questions about the team's readiness for the continental tournament.
The long-term impact of the recent coaching change and FKF leadership transition on the Harambee Stars' performance remains to be seen. The team's ability to adapt to playing away from home, given the ongoing stadium renovations in Kenya, is also a factor to watch.
Following today's match against Burundi, the Harambee Stars will conclude their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with an away fixture against Ivory Coast on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, kicking off at 10:00 PM EAT.
All eyes will be on Coach Benni McCarthy's tactical approach and the performance of key players like captain Michael Olunga. The integration of new call-ups, such as English-based utility player Vincent Harper, will also be closely observed as McCarthy continues to build his squad for the 2027 AFCON.
Fans can follow the match live on KBC Channel 1.
