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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.
Quick facts for kids
Burundi
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 Patrick Sangwa
Captain Frédéric Nsabiyumva
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)
African Nations Championship
Appearances 1 (first in 2014)
Best result Group stage (2014)
CECAFA Cup
Appearances 14 (first in 1999)
Best result Runners-up (2004)

The Burundi national football team is also known as The Swallows. This team represents the country of Burundi in international football matches. The Football Federation of Burundi controls the team.

Burundi has never played in the FIFA World Cup. However, they came very close to qualifying for the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations. They lost a playoff match to Guinea after a penalty shootout. In 2019, Burundi qualified for a major tournament for the first time. They played in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Group B. Unfortunately, they lost all their matches and did not score any goals.

History of Burundi Football

Early Years and First Matches (1974–1992)

The Burundi football team started in 1971. It was created by the Football Federation of Burundi. Their first game was in 1974 against Somalia. Burundi won that match 2–0. They then played Egypt and were eliminated. For 17 years, Burundi did not play another Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. In their first 20 years, they played 20 games. They won 6, drew 2, and lost 12.

Almost Reaching Big Tournaments (1992–1998)

In 1992, Burundi tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. They won one game against Ghana. They also drew with Algeria. However, they finished last in their group and were eliminated.

Burundi nearly qualified for the 1994 African Cup of Nations. They finished at the top of their group. But they lost a playoff game to Guinea on penalties. Due to a difficult period in Burundi, the team pulled out of the 1996 and 1998 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. They also withdrew from the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This happened even after they beat Sierra Leone 2–0.

Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers (2000–2015)

After not playing for a while, Burundi returned for the 2000 tournament. They beat Tanzania in the early rounds. They then finished third in their group. In 2002, they reached the group stages again. They beat Djibouti 4–1. However, they finished last in their group.

In 2004, Burundi did not earn any points. They finished last in their group. In 2008, they were five points behind Egypt. They did not make it to the next round. In 2012, they were even further behind. They finished 13 points behind Ivory Coast. For the 2013 qualifiers, Burundi lost to Zimbabwe on away goals. In 2015, they lost to Botswana 1–0.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (2002–2014)

Burundi did not play in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers. They returned in 2006. But they were knocked out by Gabon in the first round. In 2010, Burundi won two games against Seychelles. However, they did not advance. The 2006 and 2010 qualifiers were also for the Africa Cup of Nations. In the next qualification round, Burundi lost to Lesotho.

First Africa Cup of Nations Qualification (2017–Present)

Saido Berahino 8886 (15632059695)
Saido Berahino scored on his first game for Burundi in September 2018.

After losing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Burundi worked to get players like Gaël Bigirimana and Saido Berahino to join the team. Both players played in Europe. Berahino scored in his first game. This helped the team get a 1–1 draw against Gabon.

In March 2019, Burundi played a very important match against Gabon. They needed only one point to qualify. The game ended in a 1–1 draw. A goal from Cédric Amissi helped Burundi qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. At the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Burundi lost all three of their matches. They did not score any goals in the tournament.

Team Appearance and Support

Team Colours

The Burundi team usually wears the three colours of their national flag. These colours are red, green, and white.

Team Sponsors

In the beginning, the Burundi team was sponsored by Erreà. This is an Italian sports brand. In 2012, they signed a 10-year deal with Adidas. However, in 2018, Burundi partnered with Nike. They also signed a contract with Lumitel, a phone company.

Home Stadium

The Burundi team plays most of its home games in Bujumbura. Their main stadium is the Intwari Stadium. Burundi played its first home match there against Somalia. They won that game 3–0. The stadium is also home to local clubs like Vital'O FC and Prince Louis FC. The stadium has been updated several times. For example, it was renovated in March 2018 because of a flooded field.

Supporters of the Team

During matches at the Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium, Burundian fans often fill the stands. The stadium has about 10,000 seats. However, it can hold around 13,000 spectators. Just like the players, the fans wear red, green, and white. They also bring the country's flag. For the important match in March 2019 against Gabon, extra seats were added. This was done because there was not enough space for all the fans.

Recent Matches and Future Games

This section shows the results of matches played in the last year. It also lists any games scheduled for the future.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

Matches in 2024

22 March Friendly Madagascar  1–0  Burundi Antananarivo, Madagascar
13:00 UTC+3
  • Raveloson Goal 19'
 Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
25 March Friendly Burundi  0–0  Botswana Antananarivo, Madagascar
13:00 UTC+3 Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
7 June 2026 World Cup qualification Kenya  1–1  Burundi Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00 UTC+2
  • Abuya Goal 72'
  • Abdallah Goal 85'
 Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Referee: Jean Ouattara (Burkina Faso)
11 June 2026 World Cup qualification Seychelles  1–3  Burundi Berkane, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1
  • Hoareau Goal 78'
  • Abdallah Goal 34'
  • Kanakimana Goal 62', 69'
 Stadium: Berkane Municipal Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Ali Moussa (Niger)
5 September 2025 AFCON qualification Malawi  2-3  Burundi Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00 UTC+2
  • Kawonga Goal 31'
  • L. Nkhoma Goal 75'
  • Idana Goal 22' (o.g.)
  • Girumugisha Goal 33'
  • Eldhino Goal 87'
 Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Referee: Ibrahim Kalilou Traoré (Ivory Coast)
9 September 2025 AFCON qualification Burundi  0–1  Senegal Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00 UTC+2
Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour (Egypt)
10 October 2025 AFCON qualification Burkina Faso  4–1  Burundi Abidjan, Ivory Coast
19:00 UTC±0
  • D. Ouattara Goal 33', 44'
  • Bansé Goal 34'
  • Dayo Goal 49'
  • Kanakimana Goal 4'
 Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium
Referee: Abdulrazg Ahmed (Libya)
13 October 2025 AFCON qualification Burundi  0–2  Burkina Faso Abidjan, Ivory Coast
16:00 UTC±0
  • Konaté Goal 5'
  • B. Traoré Goal 90+4' (pen.)
 Stadium: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Athoumani (Comoros)
14 November 2025 AFCON qualification Burundi  0–0  Malawi Abidjan, Ivory Coast
14:00 UTC±0 Stadium: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium
Attendance: 313
Referee: Abdoulaye Manet (Guinea)
18 November 2025 AFCON qualification Senegal  2-0  Burundi Dakar, Senegal
14:00 UTC±0
  • Diarra Goal 35', 51'
 Stadium: Diamniadio Olympic Stadium
Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)

Upcoming Matches in 2025

21 March 2026 World Cup qualification Burundi  0–1  Ivory Coast Meknes, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1
  • Guessand Goal 16'
 Stadium: Honneur Stadium
Referee: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco)
25 March 2026 World Cup qualification Burundi  5–0  Seychelles Meknes, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1 Stadium: Honneur Stadium
September 2026 World Cup qualification Ivory Coast  v  Burundi
September 2026 World Cup qualification Gambia  v  Burundi
October 2026 World Cup qualification Burundi  v  Kenya
October 2026 World Cup qualification Gabon  v  Burundi

Coaching Team

This table shows the current coaching staff for the Burundi national football team.

Position Name
Head Coach BurundiBelgium Patrick Sangwa Mayani
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

Past Coaches

Here is a list of coaches who have led the Burundi national team over the years.

  • 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 (2023–2024)
  • BurundiBelgium Patrick Sangwa Mayani (2024-present)

Team Players

Current Squad Members

The players listed below were chosen for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. These games are against Ivory Coast and Seychelles. The matches will be played on March 21 and 25, 2025.

The number of games played (caps) and goals scored are correct as of December 29, 2024. This was after the match against Uganda.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Jonathan Nahimana (1999-12-12) 12 December 1999 (age 25) 39 0 Tanzania Namungo
16 1GK Mattéo Nkurunziza (2004-06-02) 2 June 2004 (age 21) 5 0 Belgium RWD Molenbeek
23 1GK Onésime Rukundo (1999-04-09) 9 April 1999 (age 26) 14 0 Rwanda Police
1GK Aladin Bizimana (2000-04-01) 1 April 2000 (age 25) 1 0 Belgium Union Saint-Gilloise U23
3 2DF Marco Weymans (1997-07-09) 9 July 1997 (age 28) 10 0 Belgium Beerschot
13 2DF Kevin Icoyitungiye (2004-11-21) 21 November 2004 (age 20) 2 0 Burundi Aigle Noir
15 2DF Omar Moussa (1997-08-30) 30 August 1997 (age 27) 21 0 Rwanda Gorilla
18 2DF Claus Niyukuri (2000-02-13) 13 February 2000 (age 25) 2 0 Norway Haugesund
19 2DF Frédéric Nsabiyumva (captain) (1995-04-26) 26 April 1995 (age 30) 48 1 Sweden Västerås
22 2DF Christophe Nduwarugira (1994-06-22) 22 June 1994 (age 31) 48 6 Indonesia Borneo Samarinda
2DF Keita Bukuru (2005-04-05) 5 April 2005 (age 20) 10 0 Burundi Aigle Noir
2DF Derrick Mukombozi (1999-04-26) 26 April 1999 (age 26) 8 0 Tanzania Namungo
2 3MF Henry Msanga (2001-08-24) 24 August 2001 (age 23) 4 0 Rwanda Police
6 3MF Trésor Mossi (2001-08-28) 28 August 2001 (age 23) 9 0 Azerbaijan Sumgayit
8 3MF Elie Mokono (1994-02-23) 23 February 1994 (age 31) 10 1 Tanzania Singida Fountain Gate
10 3MF Shassiri Nahimana (1993-08-05) 5 August 1993 (age 32) 46 2 Tanzania Pamba
11 3MF Jordi Liongola (2000-05-17) 17 May 2000 (age 25) 11 0 Belgium La Louvière
14 3MF Youssouf Ndayishimiye (1998-10-27) 27 October 1998 (age 26) 25 1 France Nice
20 3MF Parfait Bizoza (1999-03-03) 3 March 1999 (age 26) 0 0 Norway Haugesund
21 3MF Abedi Bigirimana (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 23) 19 4 Rwanda Police
3MF Akbar Muderi (2003-04-28) 28 April 2003 (age 22) 11 1 Rwanda Gasogi United
3MF Moussa Madjaliwa (1992-04-12) 12 April 1992 (age 33) 7 0 Rwanda Rayon Sports
3MF Léonard Gakwaya (2002-06-01) 1 June 2002 (age 23) 1 0 Rwanda Bugesera
3MF Richard Ndayishimiye (2004-01-01) 1 January 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Rwanda Rayon Sports
4 4FW Pacifique Niyongabire (2000-03-15) 15 March 2000 (age 25) 10 1 United States Tampa Bay Rowdies
5 4FW Mohamed Amissi (2000-08-03) 3 August 2000 (age 25) 23 0 Egypt Modern Sport
7 4FW Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana (1997-11-21) 21 November 1997 (age 27) 22 5 Algeria USM Alger
9 4FW Sudi Abdallah (2000-01-05) 5 January 2000 (age 25) 10 3 Indonesia Persijap Jepara
12 4FW Bienvenue Kanakimana (1999-12-28) 28 December 1999 (age 25) 21 3 Czech Republic Zbrojovka Brno
17 4FW Jean-Claude Girumugisha (2004-09-18) 18 September 2004 (age 20) 10 1 Sudan Al Hilal
4FW Beltran Mvuka (1998-10-10) 10 October 1998 (age 26) 0 0 Norway Sandefjord
4FW Vancy Mabanza (2000-11-27) 27 November 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Belgium Patro Eisden
4FW Eddy Nibibona (2001-12-28) 28 December 2001 (age 23) 0 0 Burundi Rukinzo

Players Called Up Recently

These players have been called to play for Burundi in the last 12 months.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
DF Samuel Ndizeye (1998-02-28) 28 February 1998 (age 27) 0 0 Rwanda Police v.  Burkina Faso; 13 October 2024
DF Ismail Nshimirimana (2000-01-01) 1 January 2000 (age 25) 10 0 Rwanda Kiyovu Sports v.  Seychelles; 11 June 2024
DF Lucien Delaigle (2004-03-31) 31 March 2004 (age 21) 2 0 Belgium RWD Molenbeek v.  Seychelles; 11 June 2024
DF Aime Vaillance Nihorimbere (2000-01-11) 11 January 2000 (age 25) 2 0 Norway FK Gjøvik-Lyn v.  Seychelles; 11 June 2024
MF Saidi Ntibazonkiza (1987-05-01) 1 May 1987 (age 38) 31 13 Tanzania Simba v.  Burkina Faso; 13 October 2024
MF Abdourahmani Rukundo (1999-05-07) 7 May 1999 (age 26) 0 0 Rwanda Amagaju v.  Burkina Faso; 13 October 2024
MF Gaël Bigirimana (1993-10-22) 22 October 1993 (age 31) 23 0 Northern Ireland Dungannon Swifts v.  Seychelles; 11 June 2024
MF Irakoze Donasiyano (1998-02-03) 3 February 1998 (age 27) 3 0 United States Oakland Roots v.  Seychelles; 11 June 2024
MF Jamir Naudts (2001-05-13) 13 May 2001 (age 24) 3 0 Netherlands Feyenoord v.  Seychelles; 11 June 2024
FW Hussein Shabani (1990-06-26) 26 June 1990 (age 35) 29 2 Rwanda AS Kigali v.  Burkina Faso; 13 October 2024
FW Richard Kirongozi Bazombwa (2000-06-13) 13 June 2000 (age 25) 6 0 Burundi Bumamuru v.  Burkina Faso; 13 October 2024
MF Elvis Kamsoba (1996-06-27) 27 June 1996 (age 29) 9 0 Malta Balzan v.  Senegal; 9 September 2024

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

These tables show the players with the most appearances and the top goal scorers for Burundi. Players in bold are still playing for the national team.

Most appearances
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Karim Nizigiyimana 66 0 2004–2023
2 Cédric Amissi 56 10 2009–2023
3 Fiston Abdul Razak 53 19 2009–present
4 Gaël Duhayindavyi 50 2 2011–2019
5 Christophe Nduwarugira 48 6 2012–present
Frédéric Nsabiyumva 48 1 2013–present
7 Hassan Hakizimana 46 1 2007–2014
Pierre Kwizera 46 3 2009–2019
Shassiri Nahimana 46 2 2013–present
10 Jonathan Nahimana 39 0 2017–present
Top goalscorers
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Fiston Abdul Razak 19 53 0.36 2009–present
2 Saidi Ntibazonkiza 13 36 0.36 2004–present
3 Selemani Ndikumana 12 33 0.36 2003–2019
4 Cédric Amissi 10 56 0.18 2009–2023
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 48 0.13 2012–present
9 Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana 5 22 0.23 2017–present
Laudit Mavugo 5 22 0.23 2011–2019

Tournament History

FIFA World Cup Record

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 6 3 1 2 13 7
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/13 28 10 6 12 32 35

Africa Cup of Nations Record

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 1/35 3 0 0 3 0 4

African Nations Championship Record

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 Record

Main article: CECAFA Cup

Team Achievements

Regional Honours

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

See also

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

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