SportsMall previews Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Burundi and Burkina Faso, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Fourth week of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers will begin on Sunday evening Burundi taking Burkina Faso at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
As the stadiums in these two countries fail to meet FIFA standards for international competition, they have chosen to play their 'home' games in Abidjan this month.
Competition preview
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Burundi are participating in their 11th AFCON qualification campaign, but have reached the main draw of Africa's biggest trophy competition just once, exiting the group stage without winning a game again in the 2019 edition.
Les Hirondelles got off to a bright start, beating Malawi 3-2 on the road last month, but they failed to build on that result, losing 1-0 to African powerhouse Senegal four days later.
Last week, the Swallows jumped out of the traps against Burkina Faso and took the lead in the first five minutes of the game. Bienvenue Kanakimana goal, but some stunning defending late in the half saw them concede three goals before the break and a fourth three minutes after the restart put the Stallions out of sight.
Despite the conclusion, Etienne I'm drunk He would have taken some positives from the match, with his side managing to register more shots on target than the opposition with just 40% possession throughout the 90s.
As a result, Burundi have now lost all three matches they have played against Burkina Faso, conceding nine goals in that period, while scoring just twice.
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Meanwhile, Burkina Faso have been a regular feature at the Africa Cup of Nations over the past decade, failing to secure a crucial tie just once (2019) in each of the last eight editions.
The Stallions advanced to the round of 16 at the tournament hosted by Ivory Coast earlier this year, which saw them finish fourth in 2021 and take the bronze medal in Gabon at the 2017 tournament.
After the first three rounds of qualifying this year, Brahma TrareMorocco are in a very strong position to book their place, currently leading the group with seven points and holding a healthy +5 goal difference.
Since taking over as head coach in March, Dreyer has now overseen five competitive matches, with just one defeat, his first against Egypt. Before this.
Notably, Burkina Faso have scored in every match since Dreyer's arrival, and their eight goals so far in this tournament are second only to Algeria of any participating nation.
Burundi Africa Cup of Nations Qualification Form:
Burundi Format (All Matches):
Burkina Faso Africa Cup of Nations Qualification Form:
Burkina Faso Format (All Matches):
Group messages
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After two screamers for the second and third goals last week, Ndayiragije rarely made a move, pulling back. Matteo Nkurunjisa At half time Jonathan NahimanaHe conceded only once in the second period and will start this match between the sticks.
Goalscorer Kanakimana seemed to retain a tongue late in the first half and was substituted at the interval, which remains to be seen. Richard Pasomba is the chairman If the former is ruled out, make 11 starts this weekend.
Benfica right-back Issa Gabor Picked up two assists and was Burkina Faso's best player in the last match and should retain his place in the back line alongside the goalscorer. Issoufou Dayo.
of Ajax Bertrand Traray A final 20-minute break was given in the last game and should return to the attack from Sunday's start, Bournemouth forward Dango Ouattara His place in the opposite side is almost certain after bagging a brace in the win.
Burundi Probable Starting Lineup:
I believe; Model, gratitude, majesty, youth; Mossi, Madjaliwa, Eldino; Shabani, Krongozi, Kirumukisha
Burkina Faso Possible starting line-up:
F Ouedraogo; Gabore, Dayo, Tapsoba, M Ovetrago; Badolo, Banse, Toure; B Traore, L Traore, Ouattara
We say: Burundi 1-3 Burkina Faso
Although Burundi gave Burkina Faso a big scare last week with that early goal, the Stallions were the better side when they stepped up and we expect them to have another comfortable win in this one.
Please click here for data analysis of most probable results, scores and more for this match.
