MTNFootball

Burundi will certainly be rank outsiders for qualification – they have never qualified to play at an African Cup of Nations and are currently ranked way down at 144th on the FIFA rankings list.

The Swallows’ players are scatted far and wide (in leagues such as Belgium, Norway and the Netherlands), while a fair number also play at home in Burundi.

One of the most recognisable names is central defender Valery Nayaho, who is the country’s captain and who plays for South African mega-club Kaizer Chiefs.

At 26-years-old Nahayo is one of the more experienced players in the present squad – many of the other players in the current squad are under or just over 20-years of age.

Its going to be an extremely tough campaign for this country of just under nine million people which is rated as one of the 10 poorest countries in the world – their best bet to gain points will be at home, where the tough conditions could make life difficult for the likes of South Africa and Egypt in particular.