The Burundi national football team, 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.
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Nickname(s) | Intamba Les Hirondelles The Chayfs (The Swallows) | ||
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Association | Football Federation of Burundi | ||
Confederation | CAF (Africa) | ||
Sub-confederation | CECAFA (East & Central Africa) | ||
Head coach | Jimmy Ndayizeye | ||
Captain | Saido Berahino | ||
Most caps | Karim Nizigiyimana (63) | ||
Top scorer | Fiston Abdul Razak (19) | ||
Home stadium | Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium | ||
FIFA code | BDI | ||
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FIFA ranking | |||
Current | 141 ![]() | ||
Highest | 96 (August 1993) | ||
Lowest | 160 (July 1998) | ||
First international | |||
![]() ![]() (Kampala, Uganda; 9 October 1964)[2] | |||
Biggest win | |||
![]() ![]() (Moroni, Comoros; 4 September 2021) ![]() ![]() (Bujumbura, Burundi; 11 March 2017) | |||
Biggest defeat | |||
![]() ![]() (Cameroon; 24 December 1977)[2] | |||
Africa Cup of Nations | |||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2019) | ||
Best result | Group stage (2019) |
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.
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.
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) .
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).
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.
Traditionally, the Burundi team wears the three colours of its flag: red, green and white.
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).
The Burundi team have played most of their matches in Bujumbura at the Prince Louis Rwagasore 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.
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.
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
13 November Friendly | Burundi ![]() | 2–1 | ![]() | Manavgat, Turkey |
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Report |
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Stadium: Arslan Zeki Demirci Spor Kompleksi |
26 March Friendly | Bahrain ![]() | 1–0 | ![]() | Riffa, Bahrain |
19:00 UTC+3:00 |
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Report | Stadium: Bahrain National Stadium Attendance: 70 Referee: Ali Al Samaheeji (Bahrain) |
29 March Friendly | Liberia ![]() | 1–2 | ![]() | Aksu, Turkey |
11:00 UTC+3:00 |
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Report |
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Stadium: Mardan Sports Complex |
4 June 2023 AFCON qualification | Namibia ![]() | 1–1 | ![]() | Johannesburg, South Africa |
14:00 UTC+1 |
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Report |
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Stadium: Orlando Stadium Referee: Thulani Sibandze (Eswatini) |
9 June 2023 AFCON qualification | Burundi ![]() | 0–1 | ![]() | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
16:00 UTC+3 | Report | Toko Ekambi ![]() |
Stadium: National Stadium Referee: Souleiman Ahmed Djama (Djibouti) |
September 2023 AFCON qualification | Kenya ![]() | Cancelled | ![]() | |
Report | ||||
Note: FIFA banned Kenya due to governmental interference in their Football Association |
September 2023 AFCON qualification | Burundi ![]() | Cancelled | ![]() | |
Report | ||||
Note: FIFA banned Kenya due to governmental interference in their Football Association |
The following players were called up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Namibia and Cameroon on 4 and 7 June 2022 respectively.
Caps and goals are correct as of 7 June 2022, after the match against Cameroon.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1GK | Jonathan Nahimana | (1999-12-12) 12 December 1999 (age 22) | 30 | 0 | ![]() | |
1GK | Onésime Rukundo | (1999-04-09) 9 April 1999 (age 23) | 11 | 0 | ![]() | |
1GK | Justin Ndikumana | (1993-03-01) 1 March 1993 (age 29) | 4 | 0 | ![]() | |
2DF | Karim Nizigiyimana | (1989-06-21) 21 June 1989 (age 33) | 63 | 0 | ![]() | |
2DF | Frédéric Nsabiyumva | (1995-04-26) 26 April 1995 (age 27) | 38 | 0 | ![]() | |
2DF | Philip Oslev | (1994-11-27) 27 November 1994 (age 27) | 6 | 0 | ![]() | |
2DF | Diamant Ramazani | (1999-02-18) 18 February 1999 (age 23) | 6 | 0 | ![]() | |
2DF | Eric Ndizeye | (1999-08-22) 22 August 1999 (age 23) | 13 | 0 | ![]() | |
2DF | Marco Weymans | (1997-07-09) 9 July 1997 (age 25) | 9 | 0 | ![]() | |
2DF | Derrick Mukombozi | (1999-04-26) 26 April 1999 (age 23) | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
3MF | Christophe Nduwarugira | (1994-06-22) 22 June 1994 (age 28) | 39 | 7 | ![]() | |
3MF | Stève Nzigamasabo | (1990-12-10) 10 December 1990 (age 31) | 20 | 1 | ![]() | |
3MF | Jospin Nshimirimana | (2001-12-12) 12 December 2001 (age 20) | 9 | 8 | ![]() | |
3MF | Ismail Nshimirimana | (2000-01-01) 1 January 2000 (age 22) | 5 | 0 | ![]() | |
3MF | Gaël Bigirimana | (1993-10-22) 22 October 1993 (age 28) | 21 | 0 | ![]() | |
3MF | Saidi Ntibazonkiza | (1987-05-01) 1 May 1987 (age 35) | 28 | 13 | ![]() | |
3MF | Hussein Shabani | (1990-06-26) 26 June 1990 (age 32) | 21 | 1 | ![]() | |
3MF | Amissi Bizimana | 3 | 0 | ![]() | ||
4FW | Mohamed Amissi | (2000-08-03) 3 August 2000 (age 22) | 17 | 0 | ![]() | |
4FW | Blaise Bigirimana | (1998-11-04) 4 November 1998 (age 23) | 9 | 3 | ![]() | |
4FW | Cédric Amissi | (1990-03-20) 20 March 1990 (age 32) | 54 | 10 | ![]() | |
4FW | Abedi Bigirimana | (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 20) | 6 | 0 | ![]() | |
4FW | Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana | (1997-11-21) 21 November 1997 (age 24) | 17 | 4 | ![]() | |
4FW | Saido Berahino (Captain) | (1993-08-04) 4 August 1993 (age 29) | 16 | 1 | ![]() | |
4FW | Sudi Abdallah | (2000-01-05) 5 January 2000 (age 22) | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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 |
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GK | Fabien Mutombora | (1997-04-07) 7 April 1997 (age 25) | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Arakaza MacArthur | (1995-07-29) 29 July 1995 (age 27) | 28 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Rashid Léon Harerimana | (1994-03-14) 14 March 1994 (age 28) | 33 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Emery Nimubona | (1992-02-01) 1 February 1992 (age 30) | 21 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Issa Hakizimana | (1994-08-28) 28 August 1994 (age 28) | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Moussa Muryango | (1999-05-25) 25 May 1999 (age 23) | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Omar Moussa | (1997-08-30) 30 August 1997 (age 25) | 19 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Aime Vallance Nihorimbere | (2000-01-11) 11 January 2000 (age 22) | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Shassiri Nahimana | (1993-08-05) 5 August 1993 (age 29) | 37 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Cédric Urasenga | (1990-08-02) 2 August 1990 (age 32) | 18 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Eric Mbirizi | (1998-04-20) 20 April 1998 (age 24) | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Leonard Gakwaya | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() | |
MF | Youssouf Ndayishimiye | (1998-10-27) 27 October 1998 (age 23) | 17 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Trésor Mossi | (2001-08-28) 28 August 2001 (age 21) | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Piclaire Irakoze | (2002-07-28) 28 July 2002 (age 20) | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Landry Ndikumana | (1992-10-05) 5 October 1992 (age 30) | 12 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Aimé Gakiza | (1996-09-23) 23 September 1996 (age 26) | 5 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Akbar Muderi | (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 20) | 2 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Abdourahmani Rukundo | (1999-05-07) 7 May 1999 (age 23) | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Jordi Liongola | (2000-05-17) 17 May 2000 (age 22) | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Fiston Abdul Razak | (1993-09-05) 5 September 1993 (age 29) | 49 | 19 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Bienvenue Kanakimana | (1999-12-28) 28 December 1999 (age 22) | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up. |
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FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | ||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | |
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Not affiliated to CAF | Not affiliated to CAF | |||||||||||||
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Did not enter | Declined participation | |||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | ||||||||
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Withdrew during qualifying | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||
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6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 9 | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||
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4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
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To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||
Total | 0/22 | 22 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 19 | 28 |
Africa Cup of Nations record | ||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
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![]() ![]() | Not affiliated to CAF | |||||||
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Withdrew | |||||||
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Withdrew | |||||||
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Group stage | 22nd | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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To be determined | |||||||
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Total | Group stage | 1/33 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
African Nations Championship | ||||||||
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Appearances: 1 | ||||||||
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
![]() | Did not qualify | |||||||
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![]() | Group stage | 10th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
![]() | Did not qualify | |||||||
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Total | Group stage | 1/7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
CECAFA Cup | ||||||||
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Appearances: 22 | ||||||||
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
![]() | Did not enter | |||||||
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![]() | Group stage | 6th | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
![]() | Champions | 1st | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
![]() | Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
![]() | 6th | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
![]() | 5th | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | |
![]() | Did not enter | |||||||
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![]() | Runners-up | 2nd | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 |
![]() | Fourth place | 4th | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 9 |
![]() | Did not enter | |||||||
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![]() | Third place | 3rd | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 6 |
![]() | Quarter-finals | 8th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
![]() | Did not enter | |||||||
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![]() | Group stage | 6th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
![]() | Fourth place | 4th | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 2 |
![]() | Third place | 3rd | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 6 |
![]() | Group stage | 6th | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 12 |
![]() | Champions | 1st | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 4 |
![]() | 1st | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 6 | |
![]() | Group stage | 6th | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
![]() | Did not enter | |||||||
![]() | Group stage | 10th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
![]() | Third place | 3rd | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
![]() | Group stage | 9th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
![]() | Runners-up | 2nd | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 4 |
![]() | Fourth place | 4th | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 4 |
![]() | Did not enter | |||||||
![]() | Group stage | 9th | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
Total | 3 Titles | 22/40 | 90 | 31 | 27 | 37 | 89 | 67 |
Football in Burundi | |||||
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Football Federation of Burundi | |||||
National teams |
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League system |
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Domestic cups |
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National football teams of Africa (CAF) | |
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West Africa (WAFU) |
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East Africa (CECAFA) | |
Central Africa (UNIFFAC) |
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Southern Africa (COSAFA) | |
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Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations | |
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