Sangwa Mayani Unleashes Europe-Based Stars for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against Harambee Stars, Gabon

The race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, and Burundi's Head Coach, Patrick Sangwa Mayani, has signalled his serious intent by naming a formidable 25-man squad to face East African rivals, the Harambee Stars and Gabon.

Earlier this week, Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy named a formidable squad, setting the stage for a tense, competitive encounter.

The crucial Group F match, scheduled for October 9, 2025, at the Stade Intwari in Bujumbura, is a must-win encounter for The Swallows to boost their FIFA rankings.

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The squad features a robust mix of seasoned professionals playing across the globe and promising domestic talent, all tasked with delivering a decisive victory on home soil.

Coach Sangwa Mayani, who took the reins in late 2024, has assembled a team that blends defensive stability with offensive firepower, a strategy that is vital against a well-drilled Kenyan side.

The rearguard will be anchored by two of Burundi’s most experienced international campaigners. Frédéric Nsabiyumva, a long-serving captain and central defender who plays his club football in Sweden, brings composure and leadership to the back four.

Alongside him is Christophe Nduwarugira, whose experience in Indonesia’s top flight makes him a reliable presence.

In goal, Jonathan Nahimana (Namungo FC) is expected to be the first-choice, a goalkeeper known for his sharp reflexes and command of the box.

The midfield is where the team's tactical plan will be executed, with a strong contingent from European leagues. Youssouf Ndayishimiye, a defensive stalwart for OGC Nice in France, is the heartbeat of the team, offering crucial protection to the defence and initiating attacks.

He is complemented by Parfait Bizoza (FK Haugesund, Norway), a deep-lying playmaker capable of controlling the tempo. Their partnership will be critical in neutralising Harambee Stars' midfield and dictating the pace of the game.

The attack is spearheaded by two of Burundi’s most high-profile forwards. Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana (Jeddah SC, Saudi Arabia), a tall, powerful striker, is known for his clinical finishing, a player the Harambee Stars defence, including Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija, must tightly mark.

Joining him is winger Bienvenue Kanakimana (Zbrojovka Brno, Czech Republic), who possesses a keen eye for goal, having netted crucial goals in previous qualifiers.

Their link-up play with the more technical players like Jean Claude Girumugisha will be key to unlocking the Kenyan defence.

While recent meetings, including a 1-1 draw in the current qualification campaign (June 2024), have been closely contested, the overall head-to-head record between the two neighbours has historically been tight, often resulting in draws.

Burundian fans will be counting on their star players to rise to the occasion, as their World Cup destiny hangs in the balance against a familiar foe.

As things stand, the Ivory Coast and Gabon are the only teams assured of a top-two finish and can still qualify directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Goalkeepers

Jonathan Nahimana

Onésime Rukundo

Mattéo Nkurunziza

Defenders

Frédéric Nsabiyumva (Capt)

Christophe Nduwarugira

Marco Weymans

Claus Niyukuri

Kevin Icoyitungiye

Omar Moussa

Olivier Dushime

Akbar Muderi

Midfielders

Youssouf Ndayishimiye

Parfait Bizoza

Abedi Bigirimana

Shassir Nahimana

Henry Msanga

Elie Eldinho Mokono

Gael Bigirimana

Keita Bukuru

Richard Ndayishimiye

Karim Kamana

Edson Munaba

Forwards

Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana

Bienvenue Kanakimana

Jean Claude Girumugisha

Jordi Liongola

Roméo Vancy Mabanaza

Richard Kilongozi Bazombwa