Round two of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers sees Burundi play host to Gabon at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Both sides head into this one off the back of victories in their respective opening qualifiers last time out and will be looking to pick up where they left off.

Match preview

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Gabon got their qualifying journey off to a perfect start with a 2-1 victory over the Harambee Stars of Kenya at Stade de Franceville on Thursday.

Patrice Neveu's men fell behind to Masoud Juma's opener five minutes shy of half time after which they turned the game on its head through strikes from Denis Bouanga and Guelor Kanga.

That was a first win in five matches across all competitions for Les Pantheres since a 1-0 win over Sudan in the AFCON qualifiers back in March.

Next up is the challenge of an opposing outfit who are without a win from the previous five editions of this fixture, albeit with four of them ending in draws.

Looking for what would be only a first away triumph of 2023, Sunday's visitors now prepare for what is set to be a tough assignment on the road.

Burundi came out on top from a 3-2 thriller against the Scorpions of Gambia when the teams went head-to-head in Dar es Salaam on Thursday.

First-half goals from Abedi Bigirimana and Frederic Nsabiyumva put Etienne Ndayiragije's men 2-1 up at half time before Abdallah Said made sure of the result 15 minutes from time, rendering Ebrima Colley's late strike inconsequential.

Consequently, Les Hirondelles currently sit top of their World Cup qualifying group, level on points with Gabon ahead of this weekend's clash.

Having won each of their last four matches on home turf, Sunday's hosts have proven themselves to be a real force to reckon with in front of their fans.

Team News

Abedi Bigirimana has found the back of the net in three of his last four matches for Burundi, making the forward one to keep an eye on this weekend.

Abdallah Sudi was on target within 20 minutes of coming on as a substitute last time out, which could see him rewarded with a starting spot.

Junior Noubi's involvement for Gabon this weekend currently hangs in the balance after he was hauled off with an injury scare just past the half-hour mark last time out.

Twenty-nine-year-old Denis Bouanga has netted in each of his last six matches for club and country, making him one to keep an eye on.

Burundi possible starting lineup:
Nahimana; Kanakimana, Mukombozi, Nsabiyumva, Ndayishimiye; Mvuyekure, Nduwarugira, Ntibazonkiza, Bigirimana; Sudi

Gabon possible starting lineup:
Noubi; Obiang, Appindangoye, Ecuele Manga, Oyono; Biteghe, Kanga, Lemina; Bouanga, Allevinah, Babicka

We say: Burundi 0-1 Gabon

The last three meetings between Sunday's opponents have produced a combined four goals, and we are anticipating another low-scoring affair here. That said, we can see Gabon getting the job done by a narrow margin in the end.


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