VSK Fotboll’s Mattéo Ahlinvi and Frédéric Nsabiyumva have been called up to represent their respective national teams for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The two footballers will be crucial to their nations’ efforts to secure early points in the race for a spot in the prestigious tournament to be held in Morocco.
Benin national team coach Gernot Rohr has selected Mattéo Ahlinvi for the qualifiers, where the Benin Cheetahs are set to face Nigeria and Libya.
These matches mark the first two fixtures in the AFCON 2025 qualification process, and Ahlinvi’s inclusion underscores his rising prominence on the international stage.
The midfielder has been a key player for his Swedish club, VSK Fotboll, and his participation in the qualifiers further cements his importance to Benin’s national team.
At the same time, Ahlinvi’s club teammate Frédéric Nsabiyumva has earned a call-up to the Burundi national team.
The Burundian defender is expected to be included in coach Etienne Ndayiragije’s squad for the upcoming matches against Malawi and Senegal.
Nsabiyumva’s defensive prowess will be essential as Burundi looks to navigate a challenging qualification group that includes the reigning African champions, Senegal.
VSK Fotboll confirmed the international call-ups of both players in an official club statement.
“During the upcoming international break, two of our players have been called up for national team duties – Frederic Nsabiyumva to the Burundi national team and Matteo Ahlinvi to the Benin national team.
We congratulate them both and wish them good luck,” the club announced.
This recognition highlights the players’ value not only to their national teams but also to their Swedish club, where both have been regular contributors throughout the season.
Ahlinvi has featured in all 19 of VSK Fotboll’s matches in the Swedish first division this season, while Nsabiyumva has made 17 appearances, becoming a vital part of the team’s defense.
Despite their individual performances, VSK Fotboll has faced difficulties in the league and currently sits at the bottom of the table with just 15 points from 19 games.
The international break could offer both players a welcome distraction as they focus on helping their countries secure crucial wins.
As Ahlinvi and Nsabiyumva prepare to join their national teams, they will look to bring their experience from the Swedish top division to the international stage.
Both players will be under pressure to perform, with each match holding significant importance in their respective nations’ quests to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.
