Ryan Ogam Strike Seals Kenya’s 1-0 Win Over 10-Man Burundi in World Cup Qualifier

In the 9th round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF qualifiers Group F, Kenya edged Burundi 1-0 in Bujumbura on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

A second-half goal from substitute Ryan Ogam proved decisive, and an early red card to Burundi’s Caleb Bimenyimana severely impacted the hosts.

Match Context

Neither team is in contention to qualify for the 2026 World Cup at this stage, making this fixture more about pride and momentum.

Prior head-to-head meetings between these nations have often been tight and low scoring.

The match was held at Intwari Stadium, formerly known as Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium, in Bujumbura.

Key Events and Turning Points

Red Card Early On

Just a few minutes into the match, Burundi’s Bimenyimana committed a reckless challenge on Kenya’s goalkeeper Brian Bwire and was shown a straight red card.

This forced an early substitution as Bwire was injured in the incident and replaced by Byrne Omondi.

First Half

Despite being down to 10 men, Burundi defended resolutely.

Kenya, with the numerical edge, tried to break through but were frustrated by the organization of the hosts.

The first half ended goalless.

Second Half and Substitutions

Kenya made attacking changes, introducing Ryan Ogam and Job Ochieng in the 65th minute to inject fresh energy.

The Decisive Goal – 74th Minute

In the 74th minute, Ogam latched onto a pass reportedly from Michael Olunga and curled a left-footed shot into the top corner to break the deadlock.

Late Stages and Closing Out

Kenya held their line well under Burundi’s pressure.

Six minutes of added time were played.

Despite some Burundian threats, Kenya managed to preserve the lead to the final whistle.

Tactical and Performance Notes

The red card forced Burundi into a defensive posture for most of the match.

Their formation had to adapt quickly, with reduced attacking impetus.

Kenya, while enjoying the extra man, never fully dominated and they needed their substitutions and the composure of their defense to maintain control.

Ryan Ogam, coming off the bench, was the standout as his goal changed the game and his overall contribution justified his selection.

Some of Kenya’s defenders, including Collins Sichenje, Sylvester Owino, Rooney Onyango, and Vincent Harper, were praised for managing Burundi’s pressure after the goal.

Stats and Highlights

The margin of victory was narrow, with only a single goal separating the teams.

Kenya recorded their third victory in this qualifying campaign with this win.

The win lifted Kenya to 12 points in Group F, placing them in third position.

For Burundi, playing nearly the entire match with 10 men severely limited their attacking output.

Aftermath and Implications

Group Standings

The result consolidates Kenya’s third spot in Group F with 12 points.

Momentum and Morale

The win provides a boost ahead of Kenya’s final qualifier versus Ivory Coast.

For Burundi, this defeat, especially when playing a man down, is a blow.

Questions to Address

Burundi must focus on how to maintain discipline early and ensure focus in future matches.

Kenya needs to address how to convert dominance into clearer margins and maintain consistency.

Man of the Match

Ryan Ogam of Kenya emerges as a clear choice.

His introduction changed the course of the game, and he delivered with a composed and decisive finish.

Conclusion

In a match that hinged on a moment, Kenya made theirs count.

Burundi’s fortunes were essentially decided in the first few minutes with the red card, and despite fighting bravely, they could not recover.

Kenya’s perseverance, strategic substitutions, and defensive discipline secured a vital away win.