Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy was left unhappy with the tactics employed by Burundi during their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Bujumbura Thursday.
The Stars won 1-0 on the day thanks to an astute effort from Ryan Ogam on 77 minutes, his strike seeing the Harambee Stars collect three points away from home in Bujumbura.
The state of the pitch as well as the tactics employed by Burundi left head coach McCarthy fuming in his press conference.
"Burundi were very physical; they got away with a lot of things,” McCarthy fumed after the match. “In better conditions, on a proper surface, I doubt my players would have been as physical as they were because that was not real football, he said in his post match press conference.
"I know both teams wanted to win, but to play like that, trying to break players’ legs, is unacceptable. I didn’t come to Burundi to experience this kind of football. They are a good team with good players, but fair play must be part of the game.”
Harambee Stars now have 12 points in group F, and trail leaders Ivory Coast and Gabon with one match left next week against the Ivorians. McCarthy believes his side should earn some respect for the manner in which they conduct themselves.
Despite the heavy-handed tactics, McCarthy praised his side for standing firm and grinding out a hard-fought win.
“I’m super proud of my players for the performance they gave in almost impossible conditions,” said the South African coach.
“We showed character and determination. We respect our hosts, but we did not receive any respect in return. That, for me, was not football, so justice was served.”
The Stars take on the Ivorians on Tuesday evening, 10 PM Kenyan time.