AFCON (Q): Burundi complete Chad’s misery with another lopsided win

Burundi are through to the group stage of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after another 4-0 victory over Chad in Bujumbura, completing a dominant 8-0 aggregate victory.

For the Swallows’ first competitive match played in the nation in four years, supporters packed into the Intwari Stadium in the Burundian capital and were treated to an entertaining victory for the hosts. Bienvenue Kanakimana scored a first half brace before Jean Claude Girumugisha scored the fourth and set up the fourth goal after halftime.

Belgian-based midfielder Jordi Liongola continued his excellent playmaking in the center of the pitch and the RAAL La Louvière player set up the opening goal with a defense-splitting pass to send Kanakimana in on goal. Chad goalkeeper Gabin Allanbatman came out and was exposed far from his goal as the forward easily maneuvered around the Coton Sport de Garoua netminder to finish.

There was no doubt about the aggregate result from that point on. Liongola and Kanakimana combined again to double the lead before halftime and in the second half, it was the “Girumugisha show”. The Al Hilal Omdurman star was played in on goal and produced a fantastic finish after the Burundian midfield sliced their way through a demoralized opponent.

After enduring a difficult period with failures in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as well as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Intamba mu Rugamba supporters have plenty of reason for optimism after a strong and confident performance over the two legs.

 

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The group stage of qualifying will begin in late September and Burundian supporters will be excited to see if their team can make a big impact. The Swallows last qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, their only appearance at the finals.