A late Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leveller for Gabon denied Gäel Bigirimana’s Burundi all three points in their African Cup of Nations Group C qualifier.
Bigirimana, earning only his second cap for the country of his birth after a three-year absence, was named in the starting line-up for the match in the Stade De L’Amitié.
The Swallows took the lead after 38 minutes, Stoke City’s Saido Berahino scoring on his full international debut, holding off a handful of challenges before smashing low under the keeper at his near post.
It looked like it was going to stay that way until the Arsenal striker grabbed a point for the hosts just nine minutes from time.
The result leaves Burundi on four points after two games. They face a crucial double header against Mali next month. A win in both will have them in pole position for a spot at the 2019 tournament, which takes place in Cameroon next June.
Elsewhere, Trevor Carson had to be content with a place amongst the substitutes as Northern Ireland lost 2-1 at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the UEFA Nations Cup.
Very much against the run of play, the Bosnians took the lead through Dynamo Dresden winger Haris Duljević.
The hosts continued to dominate, but a mix-up between Craig Cathcart and keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell allowed Elvis Sarić to nip and double the visitor’s advantage midway through the second half.
Will Grigg did reduce the arrears in stoppage time, but it finished in defeat for Michael O’Neill’s side.