Nicknamed Les Hirondelles (The Swallows), Burundis senior national football team have never qualified for either the FIFA World Cup of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. From 1930 to 1990 they did not enter the qualification competition, with their first attempt coming in 1994. In 1998 and 2002 they withdrew and in qualification for the last two World Cups they have not made the grade.
The tiny country in the Great Lakes region of East Africa is one of the poorest nations in the world and their football team is unlikely to appear at either the World Cup or Nations Cup unless they stumble upon a great generation of players.
The Swallows play their home games at the Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura, with the venue named after the countrys former prime minister and independence hero.
The Burundian Premier League is the countrys top flight football championship, first founded in 1972. The most successful club in the leagues history is VitalO FC from Bujumbura, who have won 12 titles and are the reigning champions. They also reached the final of the African Cup Winners Cup in 1992, defeated by Africa Sports of Cote dIvoire.
Mohamed Yattara of Guinea during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Mohamed Yattara of Guinea wins Total Man of the Match Award during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Sory Kaba of Guinea shoots, closed down by Omar Ngando (l) and Nsabiyumva Frederic of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Guinea and Burundi players observe moment of silence for former DR Congo striker Pierre Ndaye Mulamba during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Ibrahima Traoré of Guinea challenged by Hussein Shaban of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Nduwarugira Christophe of Burundi pulls back Mohamed Yattara of Guinea and is sent off vt referee Noureddine el Jaafari during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Nduwarugira Christophe of Burundi pulls back Mohamed Yattara of Guinea and is sent off during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Nduwarugira Christophe of Burundi reacts in disappointment after red card, consoled by teammate Omar Moussa during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Mohamed Yattara of Guinea celebrates goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Guinea Team Picture during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Burundi Team Picture during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Gael Bigirimana of Burundi (r) during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Guinea Fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Sory Kaba of Guinea during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
General View of Guinea team arrivals during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
General View of Burundi changeroom during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
General View of Guinea changeroom during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
General View of stadium during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
General View of Guinea changeroom during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
General View of Burundi changeroom during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Amadou Diawara of Guinea during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Nsabiyumva Frederic of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Guinea Fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
General View of Guinea team arrivals, Julian Jeanvier (l) during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
General View of Guinea team arrivals, Julian Jeanvier (l) during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
General View of stadium during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Burundi and Guinea at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 28 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Saido Berahino of Burundi chats to media during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals press conference for Burundi at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 29 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Saido Berahino of Burundi chats to media during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals press conference for Burundi at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 29 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Saido Berahino of Burundi chats to media during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals press conference for Burundi at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 29 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Olivier Niyungeko, head coach of Burundi chats to media during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals press conference for Burundi at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 29 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Olivier Niyungeko, head coach of Burundi chats to media during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals press conference for Burundi at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 29 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Marco Ilaiharitra of Madagascar challenged by Amissi Cedric (l) and Gael Duhayindavyi of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Feneva Ima Andriatsima of Madagascar challenged by Omar Ngando of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Feneva Ima Andriatsima of Madagascar challenged by Omar Ngando of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Amissi Cedric of Burundi and Romain Metanire of Madagascar during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Lalaina Henintsoa Enjanahary of Madagascar challenged by Amissi Cedric of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Shassiri Nahimana of Burundi challenged by Anicet Andrianantenaina of Madagascar during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Marco Ilaiharitra of Madagascar challenged by Amissi Cedric of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Charles Carolus Andrea of Madagascar challenged by Nduwarugira Christophe of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Nduwarugira Christophe of Burundi shields Charles Carolus Andrea of Madagascar during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Ibrahim Samuel Amada of Madagascar challenged by Abdoul Fiston of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Lalaina Henintsoa Enjanahary of Madagascar challenged by Abdoul Fiston of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Shassiri Nahimana of Burundi challenged by Marco Ilaiharitra (l) and Anicet Andrianantenaina of Madagascar during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Amissi Cedric of Burundi challenged by Romain Metanire of Madagascar during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Gael Duhayindavyi of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Gv of warm up balls during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi warming up during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Madagascar team arrival during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
CAF branding during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi change room during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Madagascar change room during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Madagascar team arrival during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi change room during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Madagascar change room during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Francis Mustafa and Arthur Mac Arakaza of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Gv of Alexandria Stadium during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
CAF branding during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Gv of Alexandria Stadium during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Gv of the match ball during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Gv of Alexandria Stadium during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
CAF branding during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Madagascar and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 27 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Olivier Niyungeko, coach of Burundi with Saido Berahino of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Burundi Press Conference at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 25 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Saido Berahino of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Burundi Press Conference at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 25 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Olivier Niyungeko, coach of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Burundi Press Conference at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 25 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Saido Berahino of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Burundi Press Conference at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 25 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Olivier Niyungeko, coach of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Burundi Press Conference at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 25 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Abdoul Fiston of Burundi challenged by Josiah Kenneth Omeruo of Nigeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Alexander Iwobi of Nigeria challenged by Gael Bigirimana of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
John Obi Mikel of Nigeria fouled by Gael Bigirimana of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Samuel Chukwueze of Nigeria clears ball from Gael Duhayindavyi of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Samuel Chukwueze of Nigeria challenged by Shassiri Nahimana of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Josiah Kenneth Omeruo and William Paul Ekong of Nigeria shields ball from Abdoul Fiston of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Nsabiyumva Frederic of Burundi challenged by Paul Onuach of Nigeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
William Paul Ekong of Nigeria challenged by Saido Berahino of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Daniel Akpeyi and William Paul Ekong of Nigeria shields ball from Abdoul Fiston of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Wilfred Ndidi of Nigeria challenged by Amissi Cedric of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Alexander Iwobi of Nigeria challenged by Shassiri Nahimana of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi players warming up during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi players warming up during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi dressing room during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Burundi dressing room during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Karim Nizigiyimana of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Elvis Kamsoba of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Nigeria dressing room during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Nigeria dressing room during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Nigeria and Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 22 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Olivier Niyungeko, coach of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Burundi Press Conference at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 21 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Saido Berahino of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Burundi Press Conference at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 21 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Saido Berahino of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Burundi Press Conference at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 21 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Olivier Niyungeko, coach of Burundi with Saido Berahino of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Burundi Press Conference at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 21 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Olivier Niyungeko, coach of Burundi during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Burundi Press Conference at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria on the 21 June 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Tshireletso Leutlwetse of Botswana battles with Fiston Abdoul of Burundi during the 2015 African Cup of Nations Qualifier match between Botswana and Burundi on the 01 June 2014 at Lobatse Sports Complex in Botswana
Kabelo Seakanyeng of Botswana battles with Cedric Amissi of Burundi during the 2015 African Cup of Nations Qualifier match between Botswana and Burundi on the 01 June 2014 at Lobatse Sports Complex in Botswana
Selemani Ndikumana of Burundi battles with Olerile Edwin of Botswana during the 2015 African Cup of Nations Qualifier match between Botswana and Burundi on the 01 June 2014 at Lobatse Sports Complex in Botswana
Joel Mogorosi of Botswana battles with Frederic Nsabiyomva of Burundi during the 2015 African Cup of Nations Qualifier match between Botswana and Burundi on the 01 June 2014 at Lobatse Sports Complex in Botswana
Olerile Edwin of Botswana battles with Styve Nzigamasabo of Burundi during the 2015 African Cup of Nations Qualifier match between Botswana and Burundi on the 01 June 2014 at Lobatse Sports Complex in Botswana
Joel Mogorosi of Botswana battles with Frederic Nsabiyomva of Burundi during the 2015 African Cup of Nations Qualifier match between Botswana and Burundi on the 01 June 2014 at Lobatse Sports Complex in Botswana
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