- Harambee Stars goalkeeper Brian Bwire picked up a bad injury against Burundi on Thursday, October 9
- Bwire, who plays his professional football in South Africa, was stamped on by Burundi’s Caleb Bimenyimana
- The first half in Bujumbura was disjointed, with Kenya’s Manzur Okwaro avoiding a red card for a reckless challenge
Brian Bwire suffered a serious injury during Kenya’s game against Burundi on Thursday afternoon.
Source: UGC
The two teams met in a dead rubber 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier game at the Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura.
Both nations were already out of contention for a spot in next year’s World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. They were just playing for pride, with a little bit of Eastern Africa rivalry at stake as well.
The game, however, took a nasty turn as soon as it started after Harambee Stars goalkeeper Bwire picked up a serious head injury.
How Harambee Stars’ goalkeeper got injured
A ball was fizzled inside Kenya’s penalty area, which Burundi’s number 12 Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana tried to direct towards goal. He missed the ball and ended up hitting Bwire in the head, knocking the goalkeeper unconscious.
There was serious cause for concern as Harambee Stars players, led by Gor Mahia defender Sylvester Owino, desperately motioned for the medical team to get onto the pitch.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy appeared distraught, hands on his head as he watched the proceedings on the pitch.
Luckily, Bwire appeared responsive and was stretchered off the pitch with Gor Mahia goalkeeper Bryne Omondi taking his place.
After much thought and persuasion from Kenya’s captain, Michael Olunga, the referee sent off Bimenyimana, forcing the home side to play the rest of the game a man less. Bimenyimana was far from impressed as he left the pitch, hitting a water bottle on his way down the tunnel.
The rest of the first half was heavily disjointed, with the home crowd pressuring the referee to brandish cards to Kenyan players for every foul.
Source: Twitter
Manzur Okwaro was lucky to get away with only a yellow card after a reckless studs-up challenge. Replays, however, showed that the Nairobi United midfielder didn’t catch his opponent.
England-based Vincent Harper, who plays for League Two side Walsall, was also shown a yellow card.
Kenya failed to take full advantage of their man advantage as Burundi were the better team in the first half.
Ryan Ogam scores as Kenya beats Burundi
Ryan Ogam came off the bench to score the only goal of the game to help Harambee Stars win the game.
Ogam was introduced for Austine Odhiambo in the 65th minute, and it only took him seven minutes to break the deadlock.
The Wolfsberger AC striker was teed up by captain Michael Olunga to leave the Burundi goalkeeper motionless with his shot.
The win takes Kenya to 12 points in third place ahead of their game against the reigning African champions Ivory Coast, next week.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
