Burundi and Gambia are set to kick off Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the Benjamin Mkapa Nationwide Stadium this Thursday.
After experiencing contrasting fortunes within the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, each groups are desperate to make a robust begin in pursuit of their World Cup aspirations.
Match Preview
Burundi suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Cameroon within the Group C finale of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers on September 12.
This consequence left them on the backside of Group C, narrowly lacking out on an AFCON look by one level.
With a present FIFA World Rating of 142nd, Burundi has struggled to safe victories in latest matches, successful solely considered one of their final seven video games since November 2022.
In distinction, Gambia displayed resilience of their final outing of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, rallying from a two-goal deficit to safe a 2-2 draw towards Congo Republic on September 10.
Having secured 10 factors from six matches, Gambia completed second in Group G, incomes their consecutive AFCON look.
Whereas they’ve but to characteristic within the World Cup, Gambia will search to capitalize on their latest type and safe a robust begin within the qualifiers.
Crew Information:
Burundi has referred to as up 27 gamers for the upcoming qualifying matches, together with Fiston Abdul Razak and Shassir Nahimana.
However, Gambia’s 27-man squad options notable names akin to Musa Barrow, Baboucarr Gaye, and skipper Omar Colley.
Each squads are gearing up for an intense conflict as they purpose to kick off their qualifying campaigns on a optimistic be aware.
Attainable Beginning Lineups:
Burundi:(3-5-2)
Rukundo;
Nduwarugira, Nsabiyumva, Mukombozi;
Aruna, Ndayishimiye, Bigirimana, Nahimana, Omar;
Razak, Hussein
Gambia:(4-3-3)
Gaye;
Sundberg, Gomez, Colley, Sanneh;
Manneh, Adams, Barry;
Barrow, Ceesay, Colley
Predictions:
With Gambia heading into the group opener unbeaten of their final three matches, they’re poised to face a Burundi facet that has struggled to safe victories.
Given the distinction in high quality between the 2 groups, we anticipate a 2-0 victory for Gambia on this encounter.