Burundi national football team

Last updated

Burundi
Burundi FA.png
Nickname(s) Intamba
Les Hirondelles
The Chayfs
(The Swallows)
Association Ishirahamwe ry'umupira w'amaguru ry'Uburundi
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation CECAFA
(East & Central Africa)
Head coach Patrick Sangwa Mayani
Captain Saido Berahino
Most caps Karim Nizigiyimana (66)
Top scorer Fiston Abdul Razak (19)
Home stadium Intwari Stadium
FIFA code BDI
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First colours
Kit left arm RBRI25a.png
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Kit body RBRI25a.png
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Kit right arm RBRI25a.png
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Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 139 Steady2.svg (19 December 2024) [1]
Highest96 (August 1993)
Lowest160 (July 1998)
First international
Flag of Uganda.svg  Uganda 7–0 Burundi  Flag of Burundi (1962-1966).svg
(Kampala, Uganda; 9 October 1964) [2]
Biggest win
Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi 7–0 Djibouti  Flag of Djibouti.svg
(Bujumbura, Burundi; 11 March 2017)
Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi 8–1 Seychelles  Flag of Seychelles.svg
(Moroni, Comoros; 4 September 2021)
Biggest defeat
Flag of the People's Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo 8–0 Burundi  Flag of Burundi (1967-1982).svg
(Cameroon; 24 December 1977) [2]
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances1 (first in 2019 )
Best resultGroup stage (2019)
African Nations Championship
Appearances1 (first in 2014 )
Best resultGroup stage (2014)
CECAFA Cup
Appearances14 (first in 1999 )
Best resultRunners-up (2004)

The Burundi national football team, (Kirundi : Ikipe y'igihugu y'Uburundi y'umupira w'amaguru), nicknamed The Swallows (French : Les Hirondelles; Kirundi : Intamba m'Urugamba), represents Burundi in international football and is controlled by the Football Federation of Burundi. The team has never qualified for the World Cup. Burundi previously did come very close to qualifying for the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, losing only on penalties to Guinea in a playoff. However, in 2019, it qualified for the first time in a major tournament, and took part in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Group B, but lost all its matches and left from the group stage without scoring a single goal.

Contents

History

Difficult beginnings (1974–1992)

The Burundi football team was created in 1971 by the Football Federation of Burundi. The Swallows' first match was in a 1976 African Cup of Nations qualification match against Somalia, which ended in a 2–0 victory. Following a 1–0 loss in the second leg, Burundi qualified to meet Egypt in the next round where they lost 5–0 on aggregate and were eliminated. It would be seventeen years before Burundi played another AFCON qualifying match. In their first twenty years, Burundi played in twenty fixtures and managed 6 wins, 2 draws and 12 defeats.

Narrowly missing qualification (1992–1998)

In 1992, Burundi entered the qualification rounds for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, but were eliminated in the first round following one win (1–0 against Ghana), one draw (0–0 against Algeria) and two losses in the reverse fixtures to finish bottom of the group. Burundi then finished joint top in their 1994 African Cup of Nations qualification group however they lost their play-off match against Guinea on penalties. Due to the Burundian Civil War, Burundi withdrew from the 1996 and 1998 AFCON qualifiers and, despite beating Sierra Leone 2–0 on aggregate and qualifying for the final round of the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, they withdrew again.

African Cup of Nations qualifiers (2000–2015)

Following successive withdrawals from the AFCON qualifiers, Burundi returned for the 2000 competition, beating Tanzania in the preliminary rounds before finishing third in their group behind Burkina Faso and Senegal. In the 2002 qualifiers, Burundi again advanced to the group stages of qualification by beating Djibouti (4–1), but finished last in their group with only two points. In 2004, Burundi performed even worse, collecting no points and finishing last behind South Africa and Ivory Coast. In 2008 Burundi finished five points behind leaders Egypt and didn't make it through to the next round. In 2012 Burundi were even further adrift, finishing thirteen points behind group winners Ivory Coast. For the 2013 qualifiers, Burundi failed to advance due to away goals against Zimbabwe (2–2), and in 2015 they lost to Botswana (1–0) .

FIFA World Cup qualifiers (2002–2014)

Burundi did not participate in the 2002 qualification process but re-entered in 2006, only to get knocked out by Gabon in the first round (4–1). In 2010, Burundi managed two victories, both against Seychelles but failed to go through behind Burkina Faso and Tunisia. The 2006 and 2010 qualifiers doubled as qualification for the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. The following qualification cycle, Burundi were eliminated by Lesotho in the first round (3–2).

First CAN qualification (2017–present)

Saido Berahino scored on his international debut for Burundi in September 2018 Saido Berahino 8886 (15632059695).jpg
Saido Berahino scored on his international debut for Burundi in September 2018

After falling in the second qualifying round for the 2018 FIFA World Cup against DR Congo, Burundi focused on convincing Gaël Bigirimana and Saido Berahino to come and play for the selection, both playing in Europe (for Hibernian and Stoke City respectively). Both players agreed and Berahino scored on his debut to earn the team a 1–1 draw against Gabon. In March 2019, in the final group game, Burundi played a decisive match against Gabon needing only one point to qualify. The match ended in a draw (1–1), with a goal from Cédric Amissi earning Burundi their first opportunity to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. Burundi lost all three of their matches at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, failing to register a single goal.

Team image

Colours

Traditionally, the Burundi team wears the three colours of its flag: red, green and white.

Sponsors

During these beginnings, Burundi is equipped by Erreà, an Italian sports brand. In 2012, he signed a contract with Adidas for a period of 10 years. Despite this long-term contract with Adidas, Burundi is committed in 2018 with Nike. She even signs a contract with Lumitel (a phone brand).

Stadium

The Burundi team have played most of their matches in Bujumbura at the Intwari Stadium. The second match in its history, Burundi is playing its first home match against Somalia (3–0 victory). The Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium is home to Vital'O FC and Prince Louis FC, as well as the national team. The stadium has been renovated several times, notably in March 2018, due to a flooded pitch.

Supporters

During the matches at the Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium, the Burundian supporters are often outnumbered, in particular because of the rather low capacity of the stadium (10,000 seats) for around 13,000 spectators. Just like the players, the supporters dress in red, green and white and bring the flag of the country. During the match in March 2019 against Gabon, the authorities have made additional seats available because of the lack of space in the stands.

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixture

2024

9 January Friendly Burundi  Flag of Burundi.svg0–4Flag of Algeria.svg  Algeria Lomé, Togo
15:00  UTC+0 Report
Stadium: Stade de Kégué
Attendance: 0
Referee: Aklesso Gnama (Togo)
22 March Friendly Madagascar  Flag of Madagascar.svg1–0Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi Antananarivo, Madagascar
13:00  UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
25 March Friendly Burundi  Flag of Burundi.svg0–0Flag of Botswana.svg  Botswana Antananarivo, Madagascar
13:00  UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
7 June 2026 World Cup qualification Kenya  Flag of Kenya.svg1–1Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00  UTC+2
Report Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Referee: Jean Ouattara (Burkina Faso)
11 June 2026 World Cup qualification Seychelles  Flag of Seychelles.svg1–3Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi Berkane, Morocco
20:00  UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Berkane Municipal Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Ali Moussa (Niger)
5 September 2025 AFCON qualification Malawi  Flag of Malawi.svg2-3Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Referee: Ibrahim Kalilou Traoré (Ivory Coast)
9 September 2025 AFCON qualification Burundi  Flag of Burundi.svg0–1Flag of Senegal.svg  Senegal Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour (Egypt)
10 October 2025 AFCON qualification Burkina Faso  Flag of Burkina Faso.svg4–1Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi Abidjan, Ivory Coast
19:00  UTC+0
Report Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium
Referee: Abdulrazg Ahmed (Libya)
13 October 2025 AFCON qualification Burundi  Flag of Burundi.svg0–2Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso Abidjan, Ivory Coast
16:00  UTC+0 Report
Stadium: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Athoumani (Comoros)
14 November 2025 AFCON qualification Burundi  Flag of Burundi.svg0–0Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi Abidjan, Ivory Coast
14:00  UTC+0 Report Stadium: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium
Attendance: 313
Referee: Abdoulaye Manet (Guinea)
18 November 2025 AFCON qualification Senegal  Flag of Senegal.svg2-0Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi Dakar, Senegal
14:00  UTC+0
Report Stadium: Diamniadio Olympic Stadium
Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)

Coaching staff

PositionName
Head Coach Flag of Burundi.svg Patrick Sangwa Mayani
Assistant Coach Flag of Burundi.svg Philippe Habimana
Goalkeeping Coach Flag of Burundi.svg Abdoul Ndizeye
Match Analyst Flag of Burundi.svg Auguste Nduwimana
Fitness Coach Flag of Burundi.svg Antoine Nshimiyimana
Doctors Flag of Burundi.svg Dr. Gauthier Ndayambaje
Flag of Burundi.svg Dr. Laurent Ngabonziza
Physiotherapists Flag of Burundi.svg Baudouin Niyomukiza
Flag of Burundi.svg Gervayi Ngendahayo
Flag of Burundi.svg André Ndayishimiye
Flag of Burundi.svg Flavien Niyigena
Team Coordinator Flag of Burundi.svg Selemani Ndikumana
Technical Director Flag of Burundi.svg Olivier Niyungeko

Coaching history

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up to the preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Ivory Coast and Seychelles on 21 and 25 March 2025. [3]

Caps and goals are correct as of 29 December 2024, after the match against Uganda.

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
1 GK Jonathan Nahimana (1999-12-12) 12 December 1999 (age 25)390 Flag of Tanzania.svg Namungo
1 GK Onésime Rukundo (1999-04-09) 9 April 1999 (age 25)140 Flag of Rwanda.svg Police
1 GK Mattéo Nkurunziza (2004-06-02) 2 June 2004 (age 20)50 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg R.W.D. Molenbeek
1 GK Aladin Bizimana (2000-04-01) 1 April 2000 (age 24)10 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Union Saint-Gilloise U23

2 DF Christophe Nduwarugira (1994-06-22) 22 June 1994 (age 30)486 Flag of Indonesia.svg Borneo Samarinda
2 DF Frédéric Nsabiyumva (1995-04-26) 26 April 1995 (age 29)481 Flag of Sweden.svg Västerås
2 DF Omar Moussa (1997-08-30) 30 August 1997 (age 27)210 Flag of Rwanda.svg Gorilla
2 DF Keita Bukuru (2005-04-05) 5 April 2005 (age 19)100 Flag of Burundi.svg Aigle Noir
2 DF Marco Weymans (1997-07-09) 9 July 1997 (age 27)100 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Beerschot
2 DF Derrick Mukombozi (1999-04-26) 26 April 1999 (age 25)80 Flag of Tanzania.svg Namungo
2 DF Kevin Icoyitungiye (2004-11-21) 21 November 2004 (age 20)20 Flag of Burundi.svg Aigle Noir
2 DF Claus Niyukuri (2000-02-13) 13 February 2000 (age 25)20 Flag of Norway.svg Haugesund

3 MF Shassiri Nahimana (1993-08-05) 5 August 1993 (age 31)462 Flag of Tanzania.svg Pamba
3 MF Youssouf Ndayishimiye (1998-10-27) 27 October 1998 (age 26)251 Flag of France.svg Nice
3 MF Abedi Bigirimana (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 23)194 Flag of Rwanda.svg Kiyovu Sports
3 MF Jordi Liongola (2000-05-17) 17 May 2000 (age 24)110 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg La Louvière
3 MF Akbar Muderi (2003-04-28) 28 April 2003 (age 21)111 Flag of Rwanda.svg Gasogi United
3 MF Elie Mokono (1994-02-23) 23 February 1994 (age 31)101 Flag of Tanzania.svg Singida Fountain Gate
3 MF Trésor Mossi (2001-08-28) 28 August 2001 (age 23)90 Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Sumgayit
3 MF Moussa Madjaliwa (1992-04-12) 12 April 1992 (age 32)70 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rayon Sports
3 MF Henry Msanga (2001-08-24) 24 August 2001 (age 23)40 Flag of Rwanda.svg Police
3 MF Léonard Gakwaya (2002-06-01) 1 June 2002 (age 22)10 Flag of Rwanda.svg Bugesera
3 MF Parfait Bizoza (1999-03-03) 3 March 1999 (age 26)00 Flag of Norway.svg Haugesund
3 MF Richard Ndayishimiye (2004-01-01) 1 January 2004 (age 21)00 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rayon Sports

4 FW Mohamed Amissi (2000-08-03) 3 August 2000 (age 24)230 Flag of Egypt.svg Modern Sport
4 FW Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana (1997-11-21) 21 November 1997 (age 27)225 Flag of Algeria.svg USM Alger
4 FW Bienvenue Kanakimana (1999-12-28) 28 December 1999 (age 25)213 Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Jablonec
4 FW Sudi Abdallah (2000-01-05) 5 January 2000 (age 25)103 Flag of Indonesia.svg PSIS Semarang
4 FW Jean-Claude Girumugisha (2004-09-18) 18 September 2004 (age 20)101 Flag of Sudan.svg Al Hilal
4 FW Pacifique Niyongabire (2000-03-15) 15 March 2000 (age 24)101 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Valour FC
4 FW Beltran Mvuka (1998-10-10) 10 October 1998 (age 26)00 Flag of Norway.svg Sandefjord
4 FW Vancy Mabanza (2000-11-27) 27 November 2000 (age 24)00 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Patro Eisden
4 FW Eddy Nibibona (2001-12-28) 28 December 2001 (age 23)00 Flag of Burundi.svg Rukinzo

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for Burundi in the last 12 months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up

DF Samuel Ndizeye 00 Flag of Rwanda.svg Police v. Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso ; 13 October 2024
DF Ismail Nshimirimana (2000-01-01) 1 January 2000 (age 25)100 Flag of Rwanda.svg Kiyovu Sports v. Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles ; 11 June 2024
DF Lucien Delaigle (2004-03-31) 31 March 2004 (age 20)20 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg R.W.D. Molenbeek v. Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles ; 11 June 2024
DF Aime Vaillance Nihorimbere (2000-01-11) 11 January 2000 (age 25)20 Flag of Norway.svg FK Gjøvik-Lyn v. Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles ; 11 June 2024

MF Saidi Ntibazonkiza (1987-05-01) 1 May 1987 (age 37)3113 Flag of Tanzania.svg Simba v. Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso ; 13 October 2024
MF Abdourahmani Rukundo (1999-05-07) 7 May 1999 (age 25)00 Flag of Rwanda.svg Amagaju v. Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso ; 13 October 2024
MF Gaël Bigirimana (1993-10-22) 22 October 1993 (age 31)230 Ulster Banner.svg Dungannon Swifts v. Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles ; 11 June 2024
MF Irakoze Donasiyano (1998-02-03) 3 February 1998 (age 27)30 Flag of the United States.svg Oakland Roots v. Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles ; 11 June 2024
MF Jamir Naudts (2001-05-13) 13 May 2001 (age 23)30 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Feyenoord v. Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles ; 11 June 2024

FW Hussein Shabani (1990-06-26) 26 June 1990 (age 34)292 Flag of Rwanda.svg AS Kigali v. Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso ; 13 October 2024
FW Richard Kirongozi Bazombwa (2000-06-13) 13 June 2000 (age 24)60 Flag of Burundi.svg Bumamuru v. Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso ; 13 October 2024
MF Elvis Kamsoba (1996-06-27) 27 June 1996 (age 28)60 Flag of Indonesia.svg PSS Sleman v. Flag of Senegal.svg  Senegal ; 9 September 2024

DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up.
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
PRE Preliminary squad.
RET Player has retired from international football.
WIT Withdrew from the squad SUS Suspended from the national team, red or yellow cards.

Player records

As of 29 December 2024 [4]
Players in bold are still active with Burundi.
Most appearances
RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1 Karim Nizigiyimana 6602004–2023
2 Cédric Amissi 56102009–2023
3 Fiston Abdul Razak 53192009–present
4 Gaël Duhayindavyi 5022011–2019
5 Christophe Nduwarugira 4862012–present
Frédéric Nsabiyumva 4812013–present
7 Hassan Hakizimana 4612007–2014
Pierre Kwizera 4632009–2019
Shassiri Nahimana 4622013–present
10 Jonathan Nahimana 3902017–present
Top goalscorers
RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1 Fiston Abdul Razak 19530.362009–present
2 Saidi Ntibazonkiza 13360.362004–present
3 Selemani Ndikumana 12330.362003–2019
4 Cédric Amissi 10560.182009–2023
5 Jospin Nshimirimana 8140.572020–present
Papa Claude Nahimana 8290.282007–2013
7 Amissi Tambwe 6250.242011–2020
Christophe Nduwarugira 6480.132012–present
9 Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana 5220.232017–present
Laudit Mavugo 5220.232011–2019

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGAPldWD*LGFGA
1930 to 1962 Part of Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium Part of Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium
1966 and 1970 Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA member
1974 to 1990 Did not enterDeclined participation
Flag of the United States.svg 1994 Did not qualify411224
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 1998 Withdrew during qualifying220020
Flag of South Korea (1997-2011).svg Flag of Japan.svg 2002 WithdrewWithdrew
Flag of Germany.svg 2006 Did not qualify201114
Flag of South Africa.svg 2010 620459
Flag of Brazil.svg 2014 201123
Flag of Russia.svg 2018 420256
Flag of Qatar.svg 2022 202022
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Flag of Mexico.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2026 To be determined421186
Flag of Morocco.svg Flag of Portugal.svg Flag of Spain.svg 2030 To be determined
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg 2034
Total0/132696112734

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
Flag of Sudan (1956-1970).svg 1957 to Flag of Ethiopia (1897-1936; 1941-1974).svg 1962 Part of Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium
Flag of Ghana.svg 1963 to Flag of Cameroon (1961-1975).svg 1972 Not affiliated to CAF
Flag of Egypt (1972-1984).svg 1974 Did not enter
Flag of Ethiopia (1975-1987).svg 1976 Did not qualify
Flag of Ghana.svg 1978 Did not enter
Flag of Nigeria.svg 1980 Withdrew
Flag of Libya (1977-2011).svg 1982 to Flag of Senegal.svg 1992 Did not enter
Flag of Tunisia (1959-1999).svg 1994 Did not qualify
Flag of South Africa.svg 1996 Did not enter
Flag of Burkina Faso.svg 1998 Withdrew
Flag of Ghana.svg Flag of Nigeria.svg 2000 to Flag of Gabon.svg 2017 Did not qualify
Flag of Egypt.svg 2019 Group stage22nd300304
Flag of Cameroon.svg 2021 Did not qualify
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg 2023
Flag of Morocco.svg 2025
Flag of Kenya.svg Flag of Tanzania.svg Flag of Uganda.svg 2027 To be determined
Flag placeholder.svg 2029
TotalGroup stage1/34300304

African Nations Championship

African Nations Championship record
Appearances: 1
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg 2009 Did not qualify
Flag of Sudan.svg 2011
Flag of South Africa.svg 2014 Group stage10th311144
Flag of Rwanda.svg 2016 Did not qualify
Flag of Morocco.svg 2018
Flag of Cameroon.svg 2020
Flag of Algeria.svg 2022
TotalGroup stage1/7311144

CECAFA Cup

Honours

Regional

References

  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  2. 1 2 Barrie Courtney. "Burundi – List of International Matches". RSSSF . Archived from the original on 2022-11-29. Retrieved 2013-04-08.
  3. "Final Squad". Instagram. Burundi National Team.
  4. "Burundi". National Football Teams.