Burundi and Gabon will do battle for a ticket to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations when they lock horns at the Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura on Saturday afternoon. 

Two points separate the two nations in Group C heading into this weekend’s round of fixtures, with first placed Mali having already booked their place at this year’s showpiece in Egypt. 

Burundi head into Saturday’s fixture as clear favourites to confirm their place at a first ever Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The hosts sit two points clear of the Panthers in third and nine ahead of winless South Sudan – who have already been eliminated from qualification contention. 

The Swallows will advance to this year’s continental showpiece with either a draw or win, while Gabon need nothing but victory if they are to pip their hosts and join Mali in Egypt. 

Joint top-scorer in qualifying Fiston Abdul Razak scored four goals for Burundi in a 5-2 win over South Sudan last time out, to fire his nation onto the cusp of qualification. 

Gabon lost 1-0 to Mali in Libreville in November last year, as they qualification hopes took a massive dent. 

Saido Berahino and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were on target for their respective nations in the reverse fixture that ended 1-1.