It’s the first AFCON for them! The fact that they qualified at the expense of Gabon and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang probably makes this AFCON berth sweeter, but after years of trying, here they are.

Overview

The Swallows in the War (French: Les sirondelles dans la guerre), as they are known, cannot compare themselves to the big shots of the continent, especially on the financial side.

A massive, public fund-raising drive by the respected Reverien Ndikuriyo was needed to get adequate means for their whole stay in Egypt. The economy is not great, and so it was understandable that four banks pooled $40,000, while a collection of pharmaceutical and steel companies put in another $40,000. The rest were got through state funds and other means.

Key midfielder Gael Bigirimana was influential in qualification and he reckons their presence in Egypt will not make them anxious, despite being first timers. Having fled his native Burundi as a child, Gael Bigirimana returned 15 years later to help in making this AFCON dream a reality.

The fairytale story is soured by the death of another key player, Papy Faty, who lost his life through a reported heart condition while playing for eSwatini club Malanti Chiefs. At 28, his contribution to qualifying had been key and he could have been a trump card for the debutants.

How they qualified

Burundi held on until the final qualifying game to secure a historic qualification to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. The Swallows needed just a draw against Pierre-Emerick Aubabmeyang's Gabon to book its ticket and they pulled that off successfully with a 1-1 draw in Bujumbura. Prior to the historic qualification, Burundi registered back-to-back wins against South Sudan and drew at home and away to Mali. In the game at Gabon, Les Hirondelle ran off with a vital point following the 1-1 draw.

Coach

Oliver Niyungeko, known as Mutombola, will be heavily reliant on the foreign-based duo  of Saido Berahino and Gael Bigirimana, and he’s never been shy of acknowledging that.

Did you know?

Burundi came very close to qualifying for the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia. They lost on penalties to Guinea in a playoff.

The Gabonese desired victory in Bujumbura but it was the hosts who clutched the opener with thirteen minutes to end the game through Cedric Amissi to drive the home fans into fits of hysteria. Omar Ngando’s own goal soon following guaranteed an anxious close, but Burundi held on strongly to maintain an historic point, as well as join Group C winners Mali at the tournament.

Star player

Stoke City’s 25-year-old striker Saido Berahino, who switched to Burundi after playing at junior levels for England’s U-16s through to U-21s. It was clear he wasn’t going to get a spot with England at senior level, so he sought Fifa clearance to rep the small central African nation. And he made it count, with a goal for the Swallows on his debut last September in an AFCON qualifier against Gabon. He managed five goals in 26 appearances for the Potters in the English Championship this season.

Player to watch

Bigirimana is one of the more well-known players in Olivier Niyungeko’s squad. Because of this, the Hibs midfielder is looked towards for a creative spark from midfield. Bigirimana on his day can be a great player in the middle. His eye for a pass is good and is generally decent on the ball if he has a little room to work with.

Keep an eye out for striker Fiston Abdul Razak, whose six goals made him second highest scorer in the AFCON qualifiers behind Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo (7).

Who’s in their group?

Guinea, Madagascar and Nigeria

How far will they go?

Group stage exit

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