Buoyed by their last-gasp draw with Senegal four days earlier, Burkina Faso recorded their most impressive result of 2024 with a 3-1 win over Malawi on 10 June.

Lassina Traore, making his first international appearance since June, put Brahima Traore's side in control with a first-half double before Hassane Bande's penalty on the hour put the result beyond doubt.

It was Traore's first win in charge since taking over from Hubert Velud following a disappointing AFCON campaign in which Les Etalons were knocked out of the last 16 by Mali.

Burkina Faso already have some catching up to do in their World Cup qualifying group and will be looking to take a giant step towards next year's continental showpiece in their next outing.

In the first of a crucial double-header against Burundi three days apart, Thursday's hosts will know that a win would put them on the cusp of qualification and will be expected to come out all guns blazing.

Burundi had nothing to show for a spirited display against Senegal as they went down 1-0 at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on 9 June.

Ismaila Sarr scored the decisive goal 19 minutes before full-time, holding his nerve to fire home from 12 yards to end Etienne Ndayiragije's side's four-match unbeaten run.

It was also Les Hirondelles' first competitive defeat since the turn of the year, having lost to Algeria and Madagascar in January friendlies.

Having gone more than two years without an away win, the visitors will travel to Ouagadougou on Thursday in search of a third successive victory on enemy territory to get their AFCON qualifying campaign back on track.

Despite scoring just one goal in 10 appearances at club level this term, Lassina Traore is on course to lead the line for Burkina Faso, with Hassane Bande and Bertrand Traore providing support.

Bournemouth winger Dango Ouattara is also in contention after opening his account for the season against Southampton.

Mohamed Konate had a disappointing outing for the home side last time out, going off with an injury less than 10 minutes into the second half.

Burundian Bienvenue Kanakimana scored on his return to action for Jablonec at the weekend and will be hoping to do the same this time around.

Thirty-four-year-old Shabani Hussein came off the bench in the loss to Senegal but should be back in the starting line-up for this game.

Burkina Faso possible starting lineup:

Koffi; Ouedraogo, Tapsoba, Djiga, Kabore; Simpore, Badolo, Banse; Bande, L Traore, B Traore

Burundi possible starting lineup:

Nkurunziza, Musore, Nsabiyumva, Ndayishimiye, Muderi; Kanakimana, Eldinho, Msanga, Bigirimana, Liongola; Hussein

Prediction:Burkina Faso 1-0 Burundi

Burkina Faso VS Burundi stream and TV listing

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