Burundi head coach Olivier Niyungeko has named Stoke City forward Saido Berahino and 26 other players in his provisional squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations reports Completesports.com.
The list was announced via Burundi’s official Facebook Page on Tuesday and was shared on Burundi’s Football Federation website, ffb.bi.
Niyungeko who led Burundi to qualify for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations after finishing second in group C behind Mali also listed Gael Bigirimana who plays as a midfielder for Scottish Premiership club Hibernian.
The 28 players include,
Nahimana Jonathan, Ndikumana Justin, Arakaza Mac Arthur, Rukundo Onésime, Moussa Omar, Nduwarugira Christophe, Abdoul Karim, Rachid Leon, Nsabiyumva Frederic, Omar Omar, Nshimirimana David, Valentine Adelin, Leta Joel, Kwizera Stone, Bigirimana Gael.
Others are Ndayishimi Youssouf, Duhayindavyi Gael? Nahimana, Sabumukama Enock, Shabani Hussein, Amissi Mohammed, Ndikumana yamini
Selemani, Amisi Cedric, Mustafa Francis, Berahino Saido, Abdoul Son, Days Togoo and Kamsoba Elvis.
Debutants Burundi will face three-time champions, Nigeria on 22nd June, before taking on Madagascar on the 26th before their final group game against Guinea on 30th June, all in Alexandria.
The 2019 AFCON makes history as the first to be held in June rather than the traditional January/ February slot, and is also bigger than ever before.
Hosts Egypt, who stepped in after Cameroon were stripped of the privilege, will welcome 23 further participants in the tournament, the first time the AFCON has featured more than 16 nations.
By Johnny Edward.
