Burundi got their first victory at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying rounds vs Namibia courtesy of some stellar performances by their key players. In this article, we'll take a look at the individual performances of some players on both sides.
Top Performers in Burundi vs Namibia Clash
MARCADOR FINAL #AFCON2023Q
Burundi 🇧🇮 3-2 🇳🇦 Namibia
⚽️ A. Bigirimana 🇧🇮
⚽️ B. Bimenyimana 🇧🇮
⚽️ H. Shabani 🇧🇮
⚽️ P. Shalulile 🇳🇦
⚽️ W. Rudath 🇳🇦
Triunfo que se celebra como campeonato para Burundi. Iban ganando 3-0 a los 20' y terminaron pidiendo la hora. A muerte vs Camerún. pic.twitter.com/sPe9xsHu8Q— Fútbol Infravalorado (@f_infravalorado) June 20, 2023
Unsurprisingly, the highest ratings were mostly given to players on the winning team, with a couple of Namibian players making the cut.
Bonfils Caleb Bienyimana – 9
It may interest you to know that Bonfils Caleb Bienyimana was responsible for all of Burundi's goals in one way or the other. Abedi Bigirimana's opening goal came off a rebound after Bienyimana hit the woodwork. The Kaizer Chiefs player was directly involved in Burundi's next two goals; as he scored the second goal whilst assisting the third. Bonfils Caleb Bienyimana also won four of five ground duels, and five of six aerial duels whilst successfully completing two of three dribble attempts.
Hussein Shabani – 9
Next on our list is AS Kigali's Hussein Shabani. Despite playing for 72 minutes, the 32 year old player was very efficient for the hosts. Shabani notched a goal and an assist, giving his country a three-goal lead. Furthermore, Hussein Shabani completed 10 of his 13 passes, registering two shots on target; he also won two of three ground duels.
Abedi Bigirimana – 8
Abedi Bigirimana made an immediate impact, opening the scoring in the first minute. He also registered eight total shots, and hit the woodwork on one occasion. Moreover, Bigirimana contested in 10 ground duels, winning six of them; he completed 70% (17/24) of his passes too.
Peter Shaluile – 7
The first Namibian player on this list is Peter Shaluile, who bagged the first goal for the visitors. 70% (14/20) of the Mamelodi Sundowns player's passes were accurate; he also won three of four total duels.
Wendell Rudath – 7
Unlike the other players listed, Wendell Rudath didn't actually start this match. The Jwaneng Galaxy forward came into this match at the 67th minute, replacing Joslin Kamatuka. However, in just 23 minutes of play, Rudath managed to register a goal, which strengthened Namibia's AFCON hopes. The 27 year old player also had an interception, along with one clearance.
Lowest Player Ratings in Burundi vs Namibia Clash
Basically, whoever wins between Cameroon vs Burundi qualifies. If they draw Cameroon would be ahead of Burundi (head-to head record) and Namibia-Cameroon head-to-head record is even; what then? https://t.co/gtO086g2nF pic.twitter.com/sRc5BznKRK
— LA (@Laz_Antsino) June 20, 2023
Again, it's really no surprise that the lowest ratings were mostly awarded to players from the losing team. Although Burundi had their fair share of poor performers, there were a few Namibian players who particularly stood out.
Dynamo Fredericks – 5
Despite being at the heart of Namibia's midfield, Dynamo Fredericks touched the ball just 28 times in 90 minutes. However, it isn't the number of touches we're interested in, it's what he did with those touches. It's fair to point out that Fredericks lost possession 12 times, he managed to complete just 16 of 27 total passes. What's more? Only one of Dynamo Fredericks' six long balls were accurate; he also managed to win just one of seven total duels.
Edward Maova – 5
To be fair, Edward Maova made two saves from inside the box. However, conceding three goals in less than 20 minutes has never been great for a goalkeeper's reputation. Although pretty much all of Burundi's goals were as a result of some sloppy defending from Namibia's backline, Maova could've saved at least one of those goals.
Riaan Hanamub – 6
This is a player who played so poorly, he had to be subbed off in under 30 minutes of play. Riaan Hanamub touched the ball 33 times in 30 minutes, and lost possession 13 times. The Amazulu defender completed just one of six long balls, and 12 of 22 total passes. Additionally, Riaan Hanamub was entirely responsible for at least one of Burundi's goals.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 months ago
