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Burundi national football team facts for kids

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This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Burundi women's national football team.
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Burundi
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Intamba
Les Hirondelles
The Chayfs
(The Swallows)
Association Ishirahamwe ry'umupira w'amaguru ry'Uburundi
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation CECAFA
(East & Central Africa)
Head coach Etienne Ndayiragije
Captain Saido Berahino
Most caps Karim Nizigiyimana (66)
Top scorer Fiston Abdul Razak (19)
Home stadium Intwari Stadium
FIFA code BDI
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 138 Increase 1 (7 February 2019)
Highest 96 (August 1993)
Lowest 160 (July 1998)
Elo ranking
Current 113 Increase 12 (3 March 2019)
Highest 89 (13 December 1998)
Lowest 168 (13 December 2019)
First international
 Uganda 7–0 Burundi 
(Kampala, Uganda; 9 October 1964)
Biggest win
 Burundi 7–0 Djibouti 
(Bujumbura, Burundi; 11 March 2017)
 Burundi 8–1 Seychelles 
(Moroni, Comoros; 4 September 2021)
Biggest defeat
 Congo 8–0 Burundi 
(Cameroon; 24 December 1977)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances 1 (first in 2019)
Best result Group stage (2019)

The Burundi national football team, (Kirundi: Ikipe y'igihugu y'Uburundi y'umupira w'amaguru), nicknamed The Swallows (French: Les Hirondelles; Kirundi: Intamba m'Urugamba), represents Burundi in international football and is controlled by the Football Federation of Burundi. The team has never qualified for the World Cup. Burundi previously did come very close to qualifying for the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, losing only on penalties to Guinea in a playoff. However, in 2019, it qualified for the first time, and took part in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Group B, but lost all its matches and left from the group stage without scoring a single goal.

History

Difficult beginnings (1974–1992)

The Burundi football team was created in 1971 by the Football Federation of Burundi. The Swallows' first match was in a 1976 African Cup of Nations qualification match against Somalia, which ended in a 2–0 victory. Following a 1–0 loss in the second leg, Burundi qualified to meet Egypt in the next round where they lost 5–0 on aggregate and were eliminated. It would be seventeen years before Burundi played another AFCON qualifying match. In their first twenty years, Burundi played in twenty fixtures and managed 6 wins, 2 draws and 12 defeats.

Narrowly missing qualification (1992–1998)

In 1992, Burundi entered the qualification rounds for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, but were eliminated in the first round following one win (1–0 against Ghana), one draw (0–0 against Algeria) and two losses in the reverse fixtures to finish bottom of the group. Burundi then finished joint top in their 1994 African Cup of Nations qualification group however they lost their play-off match against Guinea on penalties. Due to the Burundian Civil War, Burundi withdrew from the 1996 and 1998 AFCON qualifiers and, despite beating Sierra Leone 2–0 on aggregate and qualifying for the final round of the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, they withdrew again.

African Cup of Nations qualifiers (2000–2015)

Following successive withdrawals from the AFCON qualifiers, Burundi returned for the 2000 competition, beating Tanzania in the preliminary rounds before finishing third in their group behind Burkina Faso and Senegal. In the 2002 qualifiers, Burundi again advanced to the group stages of qualification by beating Djibouti (4–1), but finished last in their group with only two points. In 2004, Burundi performed even worse, collecting no points and finishing last behind South Africa and Ivory Coast. In 2008 Burundi finished five points behind leaders Egypt and didn't make it through to the next round. In 2012 Burundi were even further adrift, finishing thirteen points behind group winners Ivory Coast. For the 2013 qualifiers, Burundi failed to advance due to away goals against Zimbabwe (2–2), and in 2015 they lost to Botswana (1–0) .

FIFA World Cup qualifiers (2002–2014)

Burundi did not participate in the 2002 qualification process but re-entered in 2006, only to get knocked out by Gabon in the first round (4–1). In 2010, Burundi managed two victories, both against Seychelles but failed to go through behind Burkina Faso and Tunisia. The 2006 and 2010 qualifiers doubled as qualification for the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. The following qualification cycle, Burundi were eliminated by Lesotho in the first round (3–2).

First CAN qualification (2017–present)

After falling in the second qualifying round for the 2018 FIFA World Cup against DR Congo, Burundi focused on convincing Gaël Bigirimana and Saido Berahino to come and play for the selection, both playing in Europe (for Hibernian and Stoke City respectively). Both players agreed and Berahino scored on his debut to earn the team a 1–1 draw against Gabon. In March 2019, in the final group game, Burundi played a decisive match against Gabon needing only one point to qualify. The match ended in a draw (1–1), with a goal from Cédric Amissi earning Burundi their first opportunity to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. Burundi lost all three of their matches at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, failing to register a single goal.

Team image

Colours

Traditionally, the Burundi team wears the three colours of its flag: red, green and white.

Sponsors

During these beginnings, Burundi is equipped by Erreà, an Italian sports brand. In 2012, he signed a contract with Adidas for a period of 10 years. Despite this long-term contract with Adidas, Burundi is committed in 2018 with Nike. She even signs a contract with Lumitel (a phone brand).

Stadium

The Burundi team have played most of their matches in Bujumbura at the Intwari Stadium. The second match in its history, Burundi is playing its first home match against Somalia (3–0 victory). The Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium is home to Vital'O FC and Prince Louis FC, as well as the national team. The stadium has been renovated several times, notably in March 2018, due to a flooded pitch.

Supporters

During the matches at the Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium, the Burundian supporters are often outnumbered, in particular because of the rather low capacity of the stadium (10,000 seats) for around 13,000 spectators. Just like the players, the supporters dress in red, green and white and bring the flag of the country. During the match in March 2019 against Gabon, the authorities have made additional seats available because of the lack of space in the stands.

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2023

2024

Coaches

  • Soviet Union Nikolay Yefimov (Until 1991)
  • Burundi Baudouin Ribakare (1992)
  • Russia Aleksandr Rakitsky (1993–1996)
  • Burundi Baudouin Ribakare (1997–2004)
  • Algeria Adel Amrouche (2007–2012)
  • Egypt Lofty Naseem (2012–2014)
  • Germany Rainer Willfeld (2014–2015)
  • Algeria Ahcene Aït-Abdelmalek (2015–2016)
  • Burundi Olivier Niyungeko (2016–2019)
  • Burundi Joslin Bipfubusa (2020)
  • Burundi Jimmy Ndayizeye (2020–2022)
  • Burundi Etienne Ndayiragije (2023–)

Management and staff

Position Name
Head Coach Burundi Etienne Ndayiragije
Assistant Coach Burundi Philippe Habimana
Goalkeeping Coach Burundi Abdoul Ndizeye
Match Analyst Burundi Auguste Nduwimana
Fitness Coach Burundi Antoine Nshimiyimana
Doctors Burundi Dr. Gauthier Ndayambaje
Burundi Dr. Laurent Ngabonziza
Physiotherapists Burundi Baudouin Niyomukiza
Burundi Gervayi Ngendahayo
Burundi André Ndayishimiye
Burundi Flavien Niyigena
Team Coordinator Burundi Selemani Ndikumana
Technical Director Burundi Olivier Niyungeko

Players

Current squad

The following 23 players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Kenya and Seychelles on 7 and 11 June 2024.

Caps and goals are correct as of 25 March 2024, after the match against Botswana.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Jonathan Nahimana (1999-12-12) 12 December 1999 (age 25) 34 0 Tanzania Namungo
1GK Aladin Bizimana (2000-04-01) 1 April 2000 (age 24) 1 0 Belgium KVK Tienen
1GK Mattéo Nkurunziza (2004-06-02) 2 June 2004 (age 20) 1 0 Belgium R.W.D. Molenbeek
2DF Frédéric Nsabiyumva (1995-04-26) 26 April 1995 (age 29) 43 1 Sweden Västerås
2DF Ismail Nshimirimana (2000-01-01) 1 January 2000 (age 24) 10 0 Rwanda Kiyovu Sports
2DF Keita Bukuru (2005-04-05) 5 April 2005 (age 19) 3 0 Burundi Aigle Noir Makamba
2DF Lucien Delaigle (2004-03-31) 31 March 2004 (age 20) 2 0 Belgium R.W.D. Molenbeek
2DF Aime Vaillance Nihorimbere (2000-01-11) 11 January 2000 (age 24) 2 0 Norway FK Gjøvik-Lyn
2DF Claus Niyukuri (2000-02-13) 13 February 2000 (age 24) 2 0 Norway FK Haugesund
3MF Saidi Ntibazonkiza (1987-05-01) 1 May 1987 (age 37) 31 13 Tanzania Simba
3MF Gaël Bigirimana (1993-10-22) 22 October 1993 (age 31) 23 0 Tanzania Young Africans
2DF Youssouf Ndayishimiye (1998-10-27) 27 October 1998 (age 26) 21 1 France Nice
3MF Abedi Bigirimana (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 22) 14 4 Rwanda Kiyovu Sports
3MF Akbar Muderi (2003-04-28) 28 April 2003 (age 21) 4 1 Rwanda Gasogi United
3MF Irakoze Donasiyano (1998-02-03) 3 February 1998 (age 26) 3 0 United States Oakland Roots
3MF Elie Mokono (1994-02-23) 23 February 1994 (age 30) 3 0 Burundi Bumamuru
3MF Jamir Naudts (2001-05-13) 13 May 2001 (age 23) 3 0 Netherlands Feyenoord
2DF Henry Msanga (2001-08-24) 24 August 2001 (age 23) 1 0 Burundi Flambeau du Centre
4FW Hussein Shabani (1990-06-26) 26 June 1990 (age 34) 29 2 Rwanda AS Kigali
4FW Mohamed Amissi (2000-08-03) 3 August 2000 (age 24) 21 0 Egypt Baladiyat El Mahalla
4FW Bienvenue Kanakimana (1999-12-28) 28 December 1999 (age 24) 13 0 Czech Republic Jablonec
4FW Sudi Abdallah (2000-01-05) 5 January 2000 (age 24) 10 3 Indonesia PSIS Semarang
3MF Elvis Kamsoba (1996-06-27) 27 June 1996 (age 28) 6 0 Indonesia PSS Sleman
4FW Richard Kirongozi Bazombwa (2000-06-13) 13 June 2000 (age 24) 6 0 Burundi Bumamuru
4FW Jordi Liongola (2000-05-17) 17 May 2000 (age 24) 5 0 Belgium La Louvière

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for Burundi in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Onésime Rukundo (1999-04-09) 9 April 1999 (age 25) 14 0 Burundi Le Messager Ngozi v.  Botswana; 25 March 2024
GK Justin Ndikumana (1993-03-01) 1 March 1993 (age 31) 4 0 Tanzania Coastal Union v.  Algeria; 9 January 2024
DF Derrick Mukombozi (1999-04-26) 26 April 1999 (age 25) 7 0 Zambia Nkana v.  Botswana; 25 March 2024
DF Eric Ndizeye (1999-08-22) 22 August 1999 (age 25) 2 0 Rwanda Kiyovu Sports v.  Algeria; 9 January 2024
DF Samuel Ndizeye 0 0 Rwanda Police v.  Algeria; 9 January 2024
DF Christophe Nduwarugira (1994-06-22) 22 June 1994 (age 30) 46 6 Indonesia Borneo Samarinda v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
DF Marco Weymans (1997-07-09) 9 July 1997 (age 27) 10 0 Belgium Beerschot v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
MF Shassiri Nahimana (1993-08-05) 5 August 1993 (age 31) 43 2 Kenya Bandari v.  Botswana; 25 March 2024
MF Aaron Musore (1999-12-28) 28 December 1999 (age 24) 5 0 Zambia Green Eagles v.  Algeria; 9 January 2024
MF Emmanuel Mvuyekure (1993-06-10) 10 June 1993 (age 31) 5 0 Tanzania KMC v.  Algeria; 9 January 2024
MF Yannick Nkurunziza (2002-06-20) 20 June 2002 (age 22) 5 0 North Macedonia KF Gostivari v.  Algeria; 9 January 2024
MF Abdoul Karim Mpawenimana (2002-10-22) 22 October 2002 (age 22) 1 0 Burundi Rukinzo v.  Algeria; 9 January 2024
MF Abdourahmani Rukundo (1999-05-07) 7 May 1999 (age 25) 0 0 Rwanda Amagaju v.  Algeria; 9 January 2024
MF Jospin Nshimirimana (2001-12-12) 12 December 2001 (age 23) 14 8 Turkey Yeni Malatyaspor v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
MF Omar Mussa (2000-08-20) 20 August 2000 (age 24) 3 0 England Dagenham & Redbridge v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
FW Pacifique Niyongabire (2000-03-15) 15 March 2000 (age 24) 8 1 Canada Valour FC v.  Botswana; 25 March 2024
FW Jean-Claude Girumugisha (2004-09-18) 18 September 2004 (age 20) 4 0 Burundi Magara Young Boys v.  Botswana; 25 March 2024
FW Abdul Razak Fiston (1991-09-05) 5 September 1991 (age 33) 53 19 Kenya Sofapaka v.  Algeria; 9 January 2024
FW Alfred Nkurunziza (2004-01-01) 1 January 2004 (age 20) 0 0 Burundi Bumamuru v.  Algeria; 9 January 2024
FW Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana (1997-11-21) 21 November 1997 (age 27) 20 5 South Africa Kaizer Chiefs v.  Cameroon; 12 September 2023

DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up.
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
PRE Preliminary squad.
RET Player has retired from international football.
WIT Withdrew from the squad SUS Suspended from the national team, red or yellow cards.

Player records

Players in bold are still active with Burundi.
Most appearances
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Karim Nizigiyimana 66 0 2004–present
2 Cédric Amissi 56 10 2009–present
3 Fiston Abdul Razak 52 19 2009–present
4 Gaël Duhayindavyi 50 2 2011–2019
5 Hassan Hakizimana 46 1 2007–2014
Pierre Kwizera 46 3 2009–2019
7 Christophe Nduwarugira 45 6 2012–present
8 Frédéric Nsabiyumva 43 1 2013–present
9 Shassiri Nahimana 41 2 2013–present
10 Rashid Léon Harerimana 36 0 2013–present
Top goalscorers
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Fiston Abdul Razak 19 52 0.37 2009–present
2 Saidi Ntibazonkiza 13 31 0.42 2004–present
3 Selemani Ndikumana 12 33 0.36 2003–2019
4 Cédric Amissi 10 56 0.18 2009–present
5 Jospin Nshimirimana 8 14 0.57 2020–present
Papa Claude Nahimana 8 29 0.28 2007–2013
7 Amissi Tambwe 6 25 0.24 2011–2020
Christophe Nduwarugira 6 45 0.13 2012–present
9 Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana 5 20 0.25 2017–present
Laudit Mavugo 5 22 0.23 2011–2019

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D* L GF GA
1930 to 1962 Part of  Belgium Part of  Belgium
1966 and 1970 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1974 to 1990 Did not enter Declined participation
United States 1994 Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 2 4
France 1998 Withdrew during qualifying 2 2 0 0 2 0
South Korea Japan 2002 Withdrew Withdrew
Germany 2006 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 1 4
South Africa 2010 6 2 0 4 5 9
Brazil 2014 2 0 1 1 2 3
Russia 2018 4 2 0 2 5 6
Qatar 2022 2 0 2 0 2 2
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 4 2 1 1 8 6
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/13 26 9 6 11 27 34

Africa Cup of Nations

Main article: Burundi at the Africa Cup of Nations
Africa Cup of Nations record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Sudan 1957 to Ethiopia 1962 Part of  Belgium
Ghana 1963 to Cameroon 1972 Not affiliated to CAF
Egypt 1974 Did not enter
Ethiopia 1976 Did not qualify
Ghana 1978 Did not enter
Nigeria 1980 Withdrew
Libya 1982 to Senegal 1992 Did not enter
Tunisia 1994 Did not qualify
South Africa 1996 Did not enter
Burkina Faso 1998 Withdrew
Ghana Nigeria 2000 to Gabon 2017 Did not qualify
Egypt 2019 Group stage 22nd 3 0 0 3 0 4
Cameroon 2021 Did not qualify
Ivory Coast 2023
Morocco 2025
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027 To be determined
2029
Total Group stage 1/34 3 0 0 3 0 4

African Nations Championship

African Nations Championship record
Appearances: 1
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Ivory Coast 2009 Did not qualify
Sudan 2011
South Africa 2014 Group stage 10th 3 1 1 1 4 4
Rwanda 2016 Did not qualify
Morocco 2018
Cameroon 2020
Algeria 2022
Total Group stage 1/7 3 1 1 1 4 4

CECAFA Cup

Main article: CECAFA Cup

Honours

Regional

  • CECAFA Cup
    • Runners-up (1): 2004

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Burundi para niños

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