AFCON 2019 Qualifier: Burundi Get Cash Boost to Beat Gabon

The Swallows of Burundi players and officials received a major financial boost ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gabon.

The Football Federation of Burundi paid the team 1,000,000 FCFA as allowances in a move meant to lift up their spirits seven days before the crucial fixture.

Federation chairman Révérien Ndikuriyo, speaking after giving out the money, said they are determined to give the team all the necessary support to ensure they succeed.

“The team has shown us that they are ready to be in the finals and on our part we will do everything to ensure they succeed,” he said as quoted by GabonAll Sports.

Ndikuriyo promised that the federation would increase the bonus by 100 percent to the team if they beat Gabon.

“It will be a great fight and success will be a pride for the whole country because, since independence, Burundi has never participated in the final phase of the African Cup of Nations,” he added.

The Swallows of Burundi will host Gabon at the Muyinga Stadium in capital Bujumbura.

A draw for Burundi will be enough to see them qualify for their first ever Nations Cup finals.

The East Africans are second in Group C, two points above Gabon while Mali sit top with eleven points. South Sudan are at the bottom of the group with zero points after five round of matches.