Kenya’s Harambee Stars threw away a 1-0 lead to share the spoils with Burundi in round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match staged at the Bingu National Stadium on Friday.Having earned the lead through substitute Duke Abuya, a laxity in defence saw Burundi rally to even out the game through Abdallah Sudi.The visitors Burundi looked more comfortable from kick-off, casually making inroads through Kenya’s defensive third. However, this would only be for a while as Engin Firat’s men sized up their opponents.##NAJAVA_MECA_8148325##In ten minutes, Richard Odada would make the match’s first real chance with a thunderous effort from the left, but Nahimana Jonathan, in goal for Burundi, tipped it over the bar.Captain Michael Olunga would win a free-kick ten minutes later, and opting to take it himself, could not see his shot make it beyond the Burundi wall.Coach Firat opted to start Timothy Ouma upfront alongside his skipper, and having seen little action, he found himself in the referee’s book with a 23rd-minute caution after a foul on Keita Bukuru.Perhaps in a way of attempting to redeem himself, the former Nairobi City Stars man arrived at a Clifton Miheso set-up in the 27th minute. Still, his feeble effort proved no trouble to Nahimana, who would have to again come off his line a minute later and force Olunga to shoot wide. The Kenyan skipper had broken free from the left flank.Valerie Nekesa highlights Junior Starlets’ strong travelling contingent for Burundi U17 World Cup qualifiersMore chances would come Harambee’s’ way, but with a woeful conversion.Odada, showing up at the half-hour mark, sent a 35-yard strike that Nahimana had to repel. Muguna Kenneth was, however, a little late to the rebound as Mukombozi Derrick cleared.On the other end of the field, Patrick Matasi had yet to be properly tested as the teams went for the half-time break tied at 0-0.Burundi made a double change upon restart, with skipper Gael Bigirimana rested for Henry Masanga. Meanwhile, Winger Jordi Liongola went out for Mohamed Amissi as the visitors hoped for a more rejuvenated attack.The best chance of the game fell to Bienvenue Kanakimana, who, after being teed up by Saido Ntibazonkiza in the 53rd minute, saw his far post effort bounce off the upright with Matasi well-beaten in the Kenyan goal.Ouma then put Nahimana to task once more at the hour mark with a cheeky chip down from the right, but the Burundian keeper stretched to his limit to tip the ball out for a corner kick.This would be Ouma’s last involvement in the tie, as Coach Firat brought in Abuya and Austine Odhiambo to take his and Miheso’s places.These were the two changes that, as if by clockwork, unlocked the Burundi defence, with Odhiambo setting up Abuya for the opener in 72 minutes.Sudi was thrown into the fray as a last resort for Burundi, and off came Ntibazonkiza.Now chasing the game, the visitors had to keep possession at all costs, and Sudi, like the Kenyan earlier changes, rewarded his coach’s faith in him by restoring parity after 85 minutes.Coach Firat’s hopes of regaining control of the game rested on Tusker anchorman Chris Erambo, who was introduced to fill in Richard Odada’s shoes as the contest geared towards a close. Austine made way for FKF leading scorer Benson Omalla in injury time—the last roll of the dice for Firat, no doubt.F.T🇰🇪 1-1 🇧🇮It ends even. Focus shifts to our next match against the champions of Africa. #Tunaweza pic.twitter.com/yG63I7cB0m— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) June 7, 2024 Burundi knew better than to go all out in the dying stages of the match and, well aware that they were the home side, were happy to take one point on the road. The contest, though bursting to life in injury time, had to end with Burundi making away with a point and hosts Kenya ruining a casual showing on the evening.
