Andrew Olsson
March 26, 2026AFCON (Q): Excitement rises in Chad ahead of first leg clash against Burundi
Photo: Federation Tchadienne de Football
AFCON (Q): Excitement rises in Chad ahead of first leg clash against Burundi
A palpable excitement is building up in the Chadian capital of N’Djamena as the Chad national team, popularly known as Les Sao, finalize preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying duel against Burundi.
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Coach Raoul Savoy’s charges will have fervent support behind them when they host the first leg at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on Friday in what may be the preliminary round’s most competitive clash. While over thirty places separate Les Sao (ranked 178 in the FIFA rankings) from visitors Burundi (ranked 145), the Chadian selection’s ranking may be a bit deceiving.
The Central African nation has increased its efforts to improve its status by recruiting dual national players. Most importantly, efforts to bring its home venue up to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards provides a major boost to the fortunes of Les Sao.
A 1-1 draw against Ghana in 2026 World Cup qualifying back in September proved that the national team can challenge more pedigreed foes at home.
20,000 tickets have been made available for the home leg and supporters have been flocking en masse to snatch a seat. The country’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Maïdé Hamit Lony, visited the players and promised financial incentives for a victory according to Tchadinfos.
Arrival of foreign-based players boosts AFCON fever
It is a far cry from a month ago when rumors swirled that coach Savoy had not been paid since taking on the duties with the national team. But the Swiss tactician is known for his ability to organize low-ranked national teams and his group is further inspired by the arrival of players based abroad following a training camp for domestic-based players.
Captain Marius Mouandilmandji, based in the Turkish top flight, is joined by the likes of Algerian-based and former Young Africans forward Célestin Ecua as well as ZESCO United star Amine Hiver to form a potent attack. Former Cameroon international Djawal Kaïwa adds further strength to the midfield while Young Africans wingback Lassine Kouma is another player to watch.
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“We hope to secure our first home victory, in front of our fans. We are desperate for that first win and we will give everything to achieve it,” said Marius. The powerful striker has sat out national duty at times to focus on his club career in European football but all are on board, domestic and foreign-based players alike, to seizing the advantage at home on Friday.
After Friday’s first leg, the two teams will face off again for the second leg on Monday in Bujumbura, Burundi. The winner will advance to the main group stage.
