Burundi Makes History with First-Ever AFCON Qualification
Burundi has written a new chapter in its football history by qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. The Intamba mu Rugamba—the Indomitable Lions—will make their debut at the final phase of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, competing in Group B alongside Nigeria, Guinea, and Madagascar.
The Burundian national team entered the tournament with impressive form, finishing the qualifying phase of Group C undefeated. This group included strong teams such as Mali, Gabon, and South Sudan, with Mali ultimately topping the table. Despite the tough opposition, Burundi emerged unscathed, earning admiration across the continent for their resilience and disciplined performances.
Speaking to Football365 Africa following the official draw, Burundi striker Fiston Abdul Razak expressed excitement and optimism about the challenge ahead. “Nigeria is tough, but that’s to be expected. If you look at Nigeria from years past, you realize that today’s team is different. We can beat Nigeria, but also Guinea and Madagascar—it’s possible,” he said confidently.
The striker also welcomed the fact that Burundi will open their tournament against Nigeria. “I’m very happy about the first match against them. Everyone says Nigeria is strong and will advance. I even saw comments saying they would definitely finish first in the group. But I like the idea of starting against them. They don’t know us, and they’ll be surprised,” Abdul Razak added.
He highlighted the team’s preparation and experience gained during the qualifiers. “We’ve played against Gabon, who are strong, and against Mali, who are also strong, and we haven’t lost a single match. We’re used to it. We can qualify!”
Burundi’s qualification is a testament to the steady progress of football in the country, which has invested in youth development and national team programs over recent years. The team’s disciplined approach and collective spirit have been crucial to their success, and their debut at AFCON is expected to inspire a new generation of Burundian footballers.
For many fans, the draw is challenging, with Nigeria and Guinea considered favorites in the group. Yet, Burundi’s undefeated record in the qualifiers and their disciplined style of play provide reason for optimism. The Indomitable Lions enter the competition not as mere participants but as a team capable of causing upsets.
As the tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on Burundi as they take the continental stage for the first time. Their opening match against Nigeria promises to be a fascinating test of skill, strategy, and determination. If Fiston Abdul Razak and his teammates perform to their potential, Burundi could become one of the memorable stories of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
For the Intamba mu Rugamba, history is already being made—they’ve shown that with hard work, focus, and belief, even a small footballing nation can dream big on Africa’s biggest stage.
