Kenya vs Burundi Prediction & Betting Tips - World Cup

Prediction published on 07/06/2024, 00:32  by Daniel Ngulu in World Cup Predictions

All stadiums in Kenya have been declared unfit to host international matches by CAF. As a result, the Harambee Stars will host Burundi in Malawi on Match Day 3 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Both nations have three points from their opening two matches, with Kenya edging Burundi on goal difference. Third placed Kenya have a chance to displace second placed Gabon should they win here. For the first time, Africa will send at least nine teams to the World Cup. Kenya will want to at least finish second to have a chance through the playoffs. Heading into this fixture, Engin Firat’s team’s focus will be on three points. They are enjoying a good run of form, winning each of their last three matches, scoring at least three goals in each. Their last outing in March, ended in a 3-1 win over Zimbabwe, skipper Michael Olunga scoring a hat trick. The East Africans will be content with their scoring run coming to this game. They managed two or more goals in five of the last seven matches, and failed to score just twice in 10 games.

Burundi haven't had the best of runs coming into this encounter. While Kenya blanked Seychelles 5-0 in the last round of qualifiers, Burundi endured a 2-1 home loss to Gabon. That defeat marked the first of their four winless matches ahead of this fixture. It has even become worse in attack, as Abedi Bigirimana’s goal in that loss remains their only strike in four games. Three times in the last five matches the Burundians conceded two or more goals which means they also have to work on their defence. They’ll however approach this game with some optimism, coming from a 0-0 draw with Botswana in a March friendly. That result stopped their run of three straight defeats. Two wins only in the last 11 matches however means their confidence could still be low. It won’t help much that Burundi haven't beaten Kenya in any of their last five meetings.