The game will take place at Bingu National Stadium in Malawi but who will be the man in the middle?
Kenya will host Burundi in a pivotal Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this Friday at the Bingu National Stadium.
The encounter, crucial for both teams, will see Burkina Faso's Jean Ouattara take the helm as the center referee.
Ouattara, known for his strict officiating style, will be flanked by compatriots Seydou Tiama and Habib Oumar Sanou as the first and second assistant referees, respectively.
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Jean Ouattara, whose refereeing credentials include multiple significant CAF competitions is expected to bring a wealth of experience to this high-stakes match.
In February, he officiated the CAF Confederation Cup match between SOAR Coyah and Sagrada Esperanca where he issued four yellow cards showcasing his keen eye for discipline on the pitch.
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His previous assignments also include critical fixtures in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, such as the matches between Sao Tome Principe and Guinea Bissau, and Mali against Gambia in 2023, further underlining his capability to manage games at this level.
The match commissioner, Bennett Kenneth Bailey from South Africa, alongside the Tanzanian referee assessor Leslie Liunda, completes the official lineup.
This upcoming qualifier is not just a test of strength and strategy for the teams but also a significant responsibility for the officials to maintain control and impartiality in a potentially volatile environment.
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With Kenya ranked 33 places above Burundi in the latest FIFA rankings, the stakes are high. Harambee Stars have been rigorously preparing at Silver Stadium,just a short drive from the main venue.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the match, with ticket prices set at 5,000 Malawian Kwacha (Ksh 370) for regular seats and 20,000 Kwacha for VIP access (Ksh 1,500), available on match day.
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