Kenya’s men’s national football team has a huge task to ensure they progress to the next stage of the World Cup Qualifiers.

Harambee Stars faced Burundi in a tense World Cup qualifier, displaying moments of dominance but ultimately sharing the spoils.

The outcome means Burundi walks away the happier side in the fixture as they still have to host coach Engin Firats’s boys in the return leg with one point in the bag.

Kenya took the lead in the second half of the match courtesy of efforts by Singinda FC’s Duke Abuya who found the back of the net in the 72nd minute.

Harambee Stars dominated the game and showed depth in the defence and attacking departments, despite the absence of Joseph Okumu and Masoud Juma.

Burundi equalized almost ten minutes later when substitute Sudi Abdalla pounced on a loose ball that was mishandled by Daniel Anyembe before rounding off Matasi and tapping the ball into an empty net.

A late weird substitution by Firat who withdrew second-half substitute Austin Odhimabo for FKF Premier League top scorer Benson Omalla bore no fruits as Kenya dropped two vital points.

Kenya’s next match will be against Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast on Tuesday at the same venue.

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