In a significant development for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers, Burundi achieved a commanding 4-0 victory against Chad in the first leg held at Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, N’Djamena. This result places Burundi in a strong position as they aim to advance to the group stage qualifiers.
The match saw Burundi take control early, with Jordi Liongola scoring the first goal just six minutes into the game. This early lead set the tone for a dominant performance, as Bienvenue Kanakimana doubled the score in the 32nd minute.
Burundi continued to press their advantage in the second half, with Abdoul Karim extending the lead to 3-0 in the 63rd minute. Mossi Nduwumwe capped off the impressive display with a fourth goal in the 74th minute, sealing the match at 4-0.
Burundi’s victory is particularly notable given that they are currently ranked 32 places above Chad in the world rankings. This disparity was evident on the pitch, as Burundi showcased superior skill and strategy throughout the match.
The preliminary round of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers marks the beginning of the journey for teams vying for a spot in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Chad now faces a daunting challenge in the return leg, which will be played in Bujumbura. Overcoming a 4-0 deficit will require a remarkable turnaround for the team.
As the teams prepare for the next match, the outcome remains uncertain, and further developments are anticipated as both sides strategize for the crucial return leg.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes in team line-ups or strategies for the upcoming match.
