World Cup qualifiers: Kenya face Burundi from 4pm in Malalwi

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga in a training session at the Police Sacco Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Harambee Stars are set to face Burundi in a crucial World Cup qualifier today at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.

This fixture is part of a double-header that will also see Kenya take on the Africa Cup of Nations champions, Ivory Coast in their pursuit for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Due to Fifa and Caf's ban on Kenya's stadiums for failing to meet the required standards, the national team Harambee Stars was forced to play their home matches away from home.

The Bingu National Stadium in Malawi will serve as their temporary 'home ground', a challenge that Kenya's head coach, Engin Firat, acknowledges but remains optimistic about overcoming.

"Playing away from home without our loud fans is not ideal, but I believe in the resilience and determination of our boys. We've had a good run recently, and we aim to continue that form here in Malawi," said Firat.

"We have a good working relationship with Malawi and their national team coach is also my friend so it was a good choice for us. We are hoping to have the Malawi fans support us," Firat added.

Kenya's journey in the qualifiers began with a 2-1 defeat to Gabon but saw a remarkable turnaround when they thrashed Seychelles 5-0 last November.

This mix of results has placed them third in Group F, necessitating strong performances in the upcoming fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The Harambee Stars are riding high on a three-match unbeaten run, starting from their comprehensive victory over Seychelles.

This year, they extended their fine form by hammering Malawi 4-0 and defeating Zimbabwe 3-1 in international friendlies played in March. Firat hopes to carry this momentum into the qualifiers.

They will face a Burundi side that has also won one match after they defeated Gambia 3-2 before losing 2-1 to Gabon. Burundi also lost 4-0 to Algeria 4-0 and 1-0 to Madagascar in their international matches.

In the six meetings between the two sides, Kenya have won twice, drawn thrice and lost once. Burundi’s only victory against Stars was in 2012 during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Leading the attacking line for Kenya will be Qatar-based striker Michael Olunga, who has been instrumental in their recent successes.

He will be supported by Benson Omalla, the FKF Premier League top scorer from Gor Mahia.