Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy launched a scathing attack on Burundi’s overly physical approach during their World Cup qualifier in Bujumbura, accusing the hosts of playing “anti-football” that nearly left several of his players injured.
Kenya edged Burundi 1-0 thanks to a superb second-half strike from Ryan Ogam, but the victory came at a cost. The match was played on the unforgiving artificial turf at the Intwari Stadium, where the physical nature of Burundi’s play left the Kenyan camp fuming. Goalkeeper Brian Bwire suffered a horror injury after being clattered by a Burundi attacker early in the match, setting the tone for what turned into a bruising contest.
McCarthy, visibly upset after the game, expressed disbelief at how Burundi were allowed to get away with what he described as “dangerous play.” The South African tactician said his players were forced to adapt to the rough conditions rather than play their natural attacking game, and he questioned the referee’s tolerance of Burundi’s aggression.
“Burundi were very physical, and they got away with a lot of things,” McCarthy said. “In normal circumstances, on a better pitch, that wouldn’t have been allowed. That was not real football. They wanted to break players’ legs. We came here to play fair football, not to be kicked around.”
Despite the difficult conditions, McCarthy praised his players for showing resilience and discipline. He was particularly pleased with their mental strength, saying they refused to be intimidated and ultimately earned a result that reflected their determination and professionalism.
“I am super proud of my players for the performance they gave in almost impossible conditions,” he added. “We showed character, determination, and respect for the game. My players could have reacted badly, but they kept their composure. Unfortunately, we did not receive the same respect, but justice was served in the end.”
The win pushed Kenya to third place in Group F with 12 points from nine matches, though they remain out of contention for a World Cup spot. Still, the morale-boosting victory gives them confidence ahead of their final qualifier against Ivory Coast, where McCarthy hopes for a cleaner, more competitive game worthy of true football.
