AFCON (Q): Disaster strikes for Chad against potent Burundi

Home supporters in the capital of N’Djamena watched in horror as Chad fell 0-4 to Burundi in the first leg of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying preliminary round tie on Friday.

RAAL La Louvière midfielder Jordi Liongola’s excellent free kick put the visitors ahead in the 6th minute and they never looked back at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno. Bienvenue Kanakimana’s 32nd minute finish doubled the advantage for the Swallows before halftime.

The hosts did show more spirit early in the second half but suffered another setback shortly after the hour mark. Abdoul Karim Mpawenimana was played in behind the Les Sao defense and went around goalkeeper Mathieu Adoassou before finishing into the empty net.

Al Hilal winger Jean Claude Girumugisha finished off the scoring in the 74th minute to deliver a morale-crushing defeat to the hosts, who never got going despite the inclusion of foreign-based players and home support.

The two teams will meet again on Tuesday in the Bujumbura, where the first leg victors will be heavy favorites to finish the job at home and advance to the group stage.

 

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