Togo seek strong start against Burundi in CAN 2027 qualifier

Togo host Burundi in a potentially decisive opening fixture in Group I of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Stade de Kegue in Lome on Friday.

The match, which kicks off at 19:00 GMT on 25 September 2026, is the first competitive meeting between the two nations. With Algeria and Zambia also in the group, both sides will view victory as important to their hopes of progressing from a demanding section.

The game will be broadcast by beIN Sports, Canal+ Afrique, SuperSport and SABC Sport.

Togo arrive in better form

The hosts have enjoyed an encouraging run since Patrice Neveu took charge. Togo are unbeaten in their past four friendly matches, drawing 2-2 with Guinea and 1-1 against Central African Republic before recording wins over Niger and Benin.

Their victories were notably different in character. The Eperviers secured a narrow 1-0 success against Niger, while they produced a more convincing attacking display in a 5-1 victory over Benin.

That sequence has given Togo confidence before their first qualifying match and, alongside home advantage, makes them slight favourites to take the three points.

Vincent Bossou has warned Togo of the challenge posed by Burundi and underlined the importance of winning the match.

Burundi looking to regain momentum

Burundi’s recent record is more uneven. Their strongest sequence came in the Africa Cup of Nations preliminary qualifiers in March, when they defeated Chad 4-0 in both the first and second legs.

However, Patrick Sangwa’s side have lacked regular high-level competition since then. They were beaten 5-0 by Morocco in a friendly in May and have not played a match since that heavy defeat.

The visitors must therefore quickly rediscover their rhythm if they are to frustrate Togo and begin the campaign with a positive result in Lome.

The encounter will also mark the first time the senior national teams of Togo and Burundi have faced each other, either in an official competition or a friendly. Their meeting at the Stade de Kegue will open a new chapter in the rivalry between the two countries.

Prediction and match odds

Togo’s recent consistency and attacking form, combined with the benefit of playing at home, give them the edge. The Eperviers are expected to have enough quality to break through Burundi’s defence.

The prediction is a 2-1 victory for Togo.

The published betting prices list Togo at 1.57 to win, a draw at 3.65 and a Burundi victory at 6.40.