Burundi will do battle with Cameroon on Thursday at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in matchday two of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The home side were unable to kick off their qualifying campaign with all three points last time out, while the visitors seek to fly out of the blocks with a victory in their opening fixture.

Match preview

Cameroon will take to the pitch for the first time since they secured their World Cup ticket in a frantic manner against Algeria on March 29.

Rigobert Song's men were on the verge of suffering a 2-1 defeat on aggregate heading into the final few seconds of extra time before a Karl Toko Ekambi strike changed the course of the contest.

The Indomitable Lions are on a decent run of six wins in nine games since the turn of the year, during which they have only lost to Egypt and the aforementioned Algeria.

Lying in store next is a first-ever meeting against an opposing outfit who are 151 places below in the latest FIFA rankings of all national teams.

Off the back of three consecutive away wins, Thursday's visitors set out to continue their fine form on the road and begin their AFCON qualification journey on a high.

Burundi had to settle for a share of the spoils in Saturday's encounter against the Brave Warriors of Namibia at the FNB Stadium.

Jimmy Ndayizeye's men went behind to Peter Shalulile's 10th-minute opener, but a late equaliser from Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana ensured that honours were even in Johannesburg.

As a result, Les Hirondelles sit joint-top of Group C after the opening round of matches in their quest to reach Africa's biggest football showpiece for what would only be the second time.

Unbeaten in their last four home outings where they have picked up three wins and a draw, Thursday's hosts have proven themselves to be a tough nut to crack in front of their fans.

Team News

Burundi's Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana is suspended for this one after he received his marching orders for two bookable offences against Namibia.

This could see Blaise Bigirimana come into the starting XI after the 23-year-old had to make do with a brief cameo in the aforementioned game.

Having recently switch his international allegiance to Cameroon from France, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou has been called up for the first time.

Vincent Aboubakar will be looking to move clear of Patrick M'Boma, who he currently sits level with in the third spot of his nation's all-time scoring charts.

Burundi possible starting lineup:
Nahimana; Weymans, Nduwarugira, Nsabiyumva, Nizigiyimana; Amissi, Bigirimana; Amissi, Abdallah, Ntibazonkiza; Bigirimana

Cameroon possible starting lineup:
Onana; Castelletto, Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Oyongo, Tolo; Anguissa, Kunde, Ngamaleu, Gouet; Aboubakar, Toko Ekambi

We say: Burundi 1-2 Cameroon

Cameroon are on a better run of results coming into this one and the onus is on them to seize the initiative and take control of proceedings. We are tipping them to emerge victorious in what should be an enthralling affair.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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