The final stretch of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers is here, and teams are giving everything possible to secure a place at the tournament in Egypt, scheduled from June 21 to July 19, 2019. Among the teams still fighting for qualification, Burkina Faso faces a particularly challenging task. The Stallions travel to Ouagadougou to host Mauritania, the surprising Mourabitounes, who have already secured their spot in the finals.
For Burkina Faso, victory is mandatory. Beyond winning their match, they must rely on a highly unlikely scenario: the Palancas Negras of Angola slipping up in their encounter against already-eliminated Botswana. This combination of results makes the task daunting but not impossible, and the Stallions are determined to give everything on the pitch.
Goalkeeper Hervé Kouakou Koffi expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. “As a goalkeeper, I am confident. Confidence starts with the goalkeeper and then the defenders. So I am very confident, and we then need the public to support us,” he told burkina24.com. Koffi emphasized that a strong mindset at the back is crucial to inspiring the rest of the squad and maintaining composure in a high-pressure match.
Koffi also acknowledged the dependence on external results but stressed the importance of focusing on Burkina Faso’s own performance. “Even though our fate also depends on what happens in Botswana, we have a match ahead of us. It’s up to us to show that the mistake in Mauritania can happen to anyone,” he said, referring to Burkina Faso’s earlier slip-ups in the qualification campaign. His words underscore the team’s determination to control what they can and fight until the final whistle.
Forward Banou Diawara echoed the same sentiment, highlighting the Stallions’ commitment to leaving everything on the field. “We’re going to do our job. We also hope that the others will be professional. There are no calculations. We have to give our maximum. We have to win our match on Friday to hope for qualification,” he stated. His comments reflect the sense of urgency and focus within the team as they prepare to face a confident and already-qualified Mauritanian side.
The match promises to be intense, with Burkina Faso playing on home soil and seeking to capitalize on the support of local fans. For the Mourabitounes, the fixture is a chance to continue their impressive campaign, but they will also be tested by a motivated Stallions squad that knows the stakes.
As the final days of the qualifiers unfold, Burkina Faso’s path to Egypt is narrow, but the team’s mindset, determination, and reliance on fan support provide them with hope. Victory in Ouagadougou will not only be a statement of intent but also a potential lifeline, keeping their qualification dreams alive amid challenging circumstances.
