Burundi Eye Historic Upset as They Host Cameroon in U20 AFCON Qualifier
Bujumbura, Burundi – The African football spotlight turns to Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium on May 11, as Burundi’s U20 national team prepares to host Cameroon in the second and penultimate qualifying round of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Senegal.
The tie promises to be a compelling encounter, pitting the traditionally underdog Burundian side, affectionately known as Les Hirondeaux (The Swallows), against one of the powerhouses of African football, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. While history heavily favours Cameroon—who have consistently eliminated Burundi in past competitions—this generation of Burundian players is brimming with belief and determination.
German coach Rainer Wiellfeld, who has been overseeing the youth squad’s preparations, has instilled a sense of calm confidence in the camp. Under his guidance, Burundi advanced past Djibouti in the first round and now faces a far more formidable test. But far from being intimidated, the young Swallows are embracing the challenge.
Starting goalkeeper Ndayishimiye Hussein, a vocal figure in the dressing room, spoke candidly about the upcoming clash:
“Cameroon is a giant of African football. Everyone knows that. Until now, they have always eliminated Burundi. That’s no reason to tremble. The past is the past. The present could very well hold surprises for us—maybe even Cameroon’s elimination. Who knows?”
This sentiment was echoed by Uwayezu Nice, a commanding presence in the heart of Burundi’s defence. He suggested the pressure lies not with his team, but with the Cameroonians:
“The fear probably lies with Cameroon, who must do everything to avoid being eliminated by a country deemed weaker than them. You know, African football is evolving. It’s not always the same people who dominate. We don’t feel any kind of panic. Let’s play hard. We’ll see what happens next…”
The narrative of a rising Burundi side determined to rewrite history adds intrigue to what is expected to be a tightly contested match. The nation’s fans, too, are rallying behind their team, hopeful of witnessing a moment of history on home soil.
Cameroon, for their part, will approach the tie with caution. Despite their pedigree at youth level and their history of continental success, the ever-growing competitiveness across African football means reputations offer no guarantees. Upsets have become more frequent in recent years as smaller footballing nations develop more structured youth programs and attract better coaching talent.
Should Burundi manage to overcome the odds, it would mark one of their most significant achievements at youth level and bring them one step closer to qualifying for the U20 AFCON in Senegal—a tournament that not only crowns Africa’s best young talent but also serves as a springboard to senior national team success.
As the countdown to kick-off begins, anticipation continues to build. Burundi may be the underdogs on paper, but on the pitch, they are determined to prove they belong on Africa’s biggest youth football stage.
