AFCON 2015 – Burkina Faso Facing Early Exit Ahead of Crucial Clash with Congo
Burkina Faso, runners-up at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, are now on the verge of a shocking early exit from the 2015 edition of the tournament. Ahead of their final Group A match this Sunday against Congo, the Stallions face a must-win scenario to avoid elimination.
So far, Burkina Faso has managed only one point from two matches and has yet to score a goal in the competition. After a goalless draw with hosts Equatorial Guinea and a 1-0 loss to Gabon, Paul Put’s men must avoid a two-goal defeat against Congo to keep their hopes alive. The goal difference currently stands at -2 for Burkina Faso and +1 for Congo, making the margin for error razor-thin.
Coach Paul Put remains hopeful, saying:
“They’re a good team that plays well as a unit with a lot of commitment, but I think we also showed, especially in our match against Gabon, that we have a very good team. It’s a crucial match. We have to approach this match to get the victory. I’m confident in my players.”
With everything at stake, the Stallions will need to rediscover the form that took them to the final just two years ago. A defeat by two goals or more would send them home—an outcome unthinkable for one of Africa’s recent powerhouses.
