Kenya’s World Cup qualifier against Burundi rocked by injuries to three key players

Kenya’s World Cup hopes may already be over, but Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars have a fresh problem — injuries to three key men just days before facing Burundi.

Captain Michael Olunga, Alpha Onyango, and Rooney Onyango are all nursing knocks picked up at club level — and could miss today’s 2026 World Cup Qualifier at the freshly unveiled Intwari stadium in Bujumbura. McCarthy confirmed the trio will face late fitness tests as the team settles into Burundi’s capital.

Speaking after training on Wednesday, the South African coach admitted it’s a nervous wait. “We’ve had a few issues,” said McCarthy.

“Rooney had a knock, Olunga’s been managing a hamstring problem, and Alpha picked something up for Gor Mahia. The medical team is working around the clock. We’ll decide after the final session.”

Despite the concerns, McCarthy insists the rest of the squad is “ready and hungry." He added, “Everyone else is 100 per cent fit. The spirit is great. We’re going there to fight and finish strong.”

Kenya can’t qualify for the 2026 World Cup — but McCarthy isn’t treating the trip as a dead rubber. “Every match matters,” he said. “This is about pride, progress, and setting standards. We want to build a winning culture.”

Since taking over, the former Bafana Bafana star has emphasised the importance of tactical discipline and mental toughness. The results haven’t always come, but the attitude has changed. “Consistency is key,” he added. “We must play with purpose and be clinical. That’s how we grow.”

All eyes remain on skipper Michael Olunga, chasing one of Kenya’s most sacred records. The Al Duhail striker is just two goals shy of William ‘Chege’ Ouma’s 48-year record of 36 international goals. 

Olunga, who scored twice against Seychelles in June, has tied Dennis Oliech on 34. But he’s keeping cool. “The record will come when it comes,” he smiled. “It’s not about me. It’s about the team. If I score and we win, great. If someone else scores and we win — even better.”

McCarthy praised his leader’s mentality. “Olunga is a machine. Even when he’s not 100 per cent, he trains like an animal. The players feed off his energy.”

McCarthy knows how vital the Onyangos are to his setup. Alpha, just 23, has become the team’s creative heartbeat — twice named Man of the Match during CHAN 2024.

“Alpha links our play beautifully,” McCarthy said. “He sees passes that others don’t. When he’s out, our rhythm changes.”

Rooney, meanwhile, has grown into a rock at right-back — energetic, disciplined, and confident. “Rooney understands the system perfectly,” McCarthy added. “He gives us balance and bite. Losing him would hurt.”

The Stars’ medical staff are in overdrive. Team doctor Dr Kennedy Oduor says all three players are responding well. “We’ve managed their recovery carefully,” Oduor said. “It’s looking good, but the final call depends on how they feel in training on Wednesday.”

Even with nothing to lose, McCarthy wants his men to show heart. “You don’t play for the table,” he said. “You play for your flag, your people, and the badge. That’s the pride I want to see.”

Kenya will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1, with a blend of experience and youth. McCarthy says selection will be based on performance — not experimentation. After Thursday’s match in Bujumbura, Kenya will fly to Abidjan to face African champions Ivory Coast in their final qualifier. “These two games are about momentum,” said McCarthy. “We want to finish well and keep building. Kenya must stay hungry.”