‘Not a Game to Enjoy’ - Michael Olunga Backs Benni McCarthy’s Stance on Burundi’s Dirty Tricks

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has expressed both delight and frustration after their 1-0 win over Burundi in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Olunga led the line as Kenya played away at the Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura with substitute Ryan Ogam scoring the lone goal in the 72nd minute.

However, Kenya struggled to get going on the artificial turf while their opponents employed a very physical game that left head coach Benni McCarthy furious as it not only scared his players from playing a free-flowing game but also saw goalkeeper Brian Bwire stretchered off after five minutes following a nasty injury.

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Bwire came off worse after Burundi forward Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana lunged into him in the first minute, leaving him with a head injury, while the striker received a straight red card.

Olunga has expressed his frustration in the manner Burundi approached the match but was happy that the dirty tricks did not deter them from recording a morale-boosting win.

“It was a very difficult game to play especially under the conditions. The pitch, temperatures but we tried to contain Burundi as much as possible and we knew it was going to be a physical game,” Olunga said after the match.

“I believe that was their tactic and yes physicality is allowed in football but not aggressive physicality. Every challenge they complained to the referee, every lose ball they wanted it. It was not a game to enjoy but we are happy with the three points and the 1-0.”

Olunga lasted 81 minutes on the pitch before he was taken off for Marvin Nabwire as McCarthy sought to protect the lead but he had few chances during the contest.

The Al-Arabi striker will be hoping for good tidings on Tuesday when Harambee Stars complete their World Cup qualifiers with a tough away match to African champions Ivory Coast.