Burundi achieved unarguably the brightest moment in their footballing life after holding Gabon to 1-1 draw on Saturday to qualify for the Egypt 2019 African Cup of Nations finals.
Cedric Amissi scored in the 76th minute for Burundi, who only needed a draw to qualify, in an encounter played at the Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura.
Gabon scored a late equalizer through an own goal by Omar Gando at the closing stages as they searched for the victory they needed.
Chants of ‘Hongera’ which means congratulations in the local Burundian language were formed on the lips of the vociferous crowd at the stadium, who celebrated the historic moment.
The qualification for the Egypt 2019 AFCON completes a fairy-tale run by the East Africans who finished second in group C.
Burundi looked overawed in a first half where they conceded a string of chances to the big, physical and dangerous quick counterattack from Gabon.
The best of those was when left-back Bruno Manga’s cross was met by forward Pierre Aubameyang sliding in to connect with a thigh, the ball going into the right corner.
Burundi’s best chance of the half came from applying pressure in the area in the dying seconds, culminating in Sadio Berahino blasting a shot over the crossbar.
Early in the second half Piere Kwizera rose to head Abdul Razak’s corner over the bar.
Berahino, lively in the second half, dribbled inside from the left and smacked one high and wide in the 64th minute.
A host of Panthers tactics saw the team mounting attack and they came close when burly defender Musavu King missed from a set piece.
Burundi opened the scoring in the 77th minute through Cedric Amissi and the forward’s goal looked sure to confirm the host’s ticket to Egypt later this year.
In the 82nd minute, an own goal by Omar Ngandu nearly spoilt the party but the Swallows continued holding on tight defensively.
At the other end, Abdul Razak Fiston thumped a powerful strike inches wide in the 89th minute that could ultimately have made Swallows grab a famous win.
Jonathan Nahimana called into action in the last minutes of the match as he produced a fine save from Aubameyang’s effort from the edge of the box.
How they lined up:
Burundi: Jonathan Nahimana (GK) – Frederic Nsabiyumva, Abdoul Karim Nizigiyimana, Omar Ngando, Christophe Nduwarugira – Pierre Kwizera, Gael Bigirimana, Amissi Cédric – Saïdo Berahino, Abdoul Razak Fiston, Selemani Ndikumana.
Gabon: Didier Ovono (GK) -Lloyd Palun, Yrondu Musavu King, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Johann Obiang – Didier Ibrahim Ndong, Jim Allevinah, Andre Biyogho Poko – Denis Bouanga, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Malick Evouna.
