Having reached the knockout stages of the 2021 AFCON for the first time, Malawi were optimistic of qualifying for a second consecutive tournament last time out, but a disastrous qualifying campaign saw them fail to qualify.

With just five points from their six matches, Patrick Mabedi's men finished third in Group D, five points behind Guinea and another five behind group winners Egypt.

The Flames put their continental disappointment behind them when they finished fourth in last year's COSAFA Cup and have since won two of their four World Cup qualifiers.

The second of those two victories came against Sao Tome and Principe on 6 June and remains Malawi's only win from four outings in 2024 - three of which ended in defeat.

With a clash against 2013 AFCON finalists Burkina Faso five days later, the home side will be keen to get back to winning ways in front of their home fans.

Like Malawi, Burundi were also absent from the most recent AFCON tournament earlier this year and have only made it to the competition's finals on one occasion in their history.

However, Etienne Ndayiragije's men did come close to booking a place at the continental event in Ivory Coast, finishing just one point shy of Namibia in the race for the final spot in Group C.

Due to Kenya's withdrawal, Les Hirondelles were drawn in one of the two three-team groups last time out but will have to compete with Senegal, Burkina Faso and Malawi for a place this time around.

Burundi failed to win any of their opening four matches of 2024 before finally getting the better of Seychelles in their last involvement to make it seven points from four World Cup qualifying outings.

A chance to secure consecutive wins for the first time in almost four years now awaits Thursday's visitors, who are also unbeaten in three straight games ahead of their trip to Lilongwe.

Malawi possible starting lineup:

Chokooka; Mwale, Sanudi, Chembezi, Papi; Idana, Chester; Nkhoma, Chawa, Mwaungulu; Chirwa

Burundi possible starting lineup:

Nahimana; Ntibazonkiza, Bukuru, Mukombozi, Musore; Bigirimana, Mokono, Msanga; Kamsoba, Amissi, Shabani

Prediction:Malawi 1-0 Burundi

Malawi VS Burundi stream and TV listing

International：Holasports