Kenya based duo called-up by Burundi for AFCON qualifier

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FOOTBALL Kenya based duo called-up by Burundi for AFCON qualifier

Festus Chuma 15:26 - 27.05.2023

Former England U-21 international is conspicuously missing from the squad.

Burundi men's national team head coach Etienne Ndayiragije has named Intamba mu Rugamba's 29-man provisional squad ahead of their clash with Namibia on Tuesday, June 20.

Intamba mu Rugamba will face the Brave Warriors in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, and the summoned players are expected to speed up the preparations for the clash.

https://twitter.com/intambazacu/status/1662414445123973120?s=20

Sofapaka defender David Nshirimimana and Shassir Nahimana of Bandari are among the players who have been called up ahead of the clash to be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania.

Nahimana is earning his first call-up since joining Bandari in the mid-season transfer window from Burundian Bumamuru.

Former Bandari goalkeeper Justin Ndikumana who now plays for Tanzanian side Coastal Union has also been included in the squad. In contrast, there was no place for former England U-21 international Saido Berahino.

Berahino first represented Burundi in August 2018 after the English FA confirmed he has yet to play for them at a competitive level.

The 29-year-old has since played 18 matches for the East African nation scoring two goals.

"We know the players we have invited are ready physically for international football and we will have a very tough training schedule, especially in the first couple of days and they will be ready for the game," said Ndayiragije.

"We have the quality and we will begin physical preparations as we get the players mentally ready for this very difficult match."

Burundi is without a win in Group C, which also consists of Cameroon. They have played two friendlies against Indonesia, losing one and drawing one back in March.