Niyigizimana called up to Burundi squad

AFCON Qualifier

March 23

Burundi v Gabon

Vipers sports club roving defender Abdul Karim Niyizigimana is among the 25 players summoned for the Burundi national team duty by head coach Olivier Niyungeko.

The East African nation hosts Gabon at home in Bujumbura on March 23, in a decisive qualifier where they require only a point to stand any chance of qualifying for their first ever African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

Niyizigimana who made his national team debut in 2007 will get a chance to play for his nation again after recovering from a serious ankle injury that kept him out of action for almost a year.

He joined Vipers during the mid season transfer window from Kenya’s champions Gor Mahia making his debut for the Venoms in a 1-3 defeat to SC Villa and the experienced overlapping full back has since made four starts for the Kitende based side.

Ahead of the do or die encounter, Burundi are lying second in Group C two points behind leaders Mali who at 11 points, are already through for the final tournament that will be held in Egypt in June.

The Full Burundi Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jonathan Nahimana (KMC, Tanzania), Justin Ndikumana (Sofapaka, Kenya), McArthur Arakaza (Lusaka Dynamos, Zambia)

Defenders: Frédéric Nsabiyumva (Chippa United, South Africa), Omar Moussa (Sofapaka, Kenya), Omar Ngando (AS Kigali, Rwanda), Rachid Léon Harerimana (AS Kigali, Rwanda), Mukura David Nshimirimana (VS,Rwanda), Amora Christophe Nduwarugira (TB Saad, Portugal), Abdul Karim Niyigizimana (Vipers SC, Uganda).

Midfielders: Gael Duhayindavyi (Mukura, Rwanda), Gael Bigirimana (Hibernian, Scotland), Pierre Kwizerae (Al Oruba, Oman), Fati Papy (Malanti Chiefs, Swaziland), Shassiri Nahimana (Al Mojzel, Saudi Arabia), Francis Mustafa (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Cédric Amissi (Al Tawoun, Saudi Arabia), Hussein Shabani (Ethiopian Coffee FC, Ethiopia)

Forwards: Saido Berahino (Stoke City, England), Abdoul Fiston (JSK (Algeria), Enock Sabumukama (Zesco United, Zambia), Selemani Y. Ndikumana (AL Adalah, Saudi Arabia), Mohamed Amissi (Nec Breda, Netherlands), Laudit Mavugo (Napsa Stars, Zambia), Bienvenue Shaka (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia)