Burkina Faso Under Pressure Ahead of Key Clash with Equatorial Guinea
By BBC Sport Africa
Bata – January 2015
Burkina Faso faces a must-win match on Wednesday as they take on host nation Equatorial Guinea in their second Group A fixture of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Stallions, runners-up at the 2013 tournament, were stunned 2-0 by Gabon in their opening game, leaving them in a precarious position in their quest to advance beyond the group stage. A second consecutive defeat could spell an early and disappointing exit for Paul Put’s men.
Equatorial Guinea, meanwhile, earned a credible 1-1 draw against Congo in their tournament opener, and will look to build on that performance in front of a passionate home crowd in Bata.
The stakes are clear for both sides: avoid defeat at all costs. But the pressure is far greater on Burkina Faso, whose strong pre-tournament billing is at risk of unravelling. Tensions have reportedly emerged within the squad following the loss to Gabon, with speculation of internal disagreements among players. Head coach Paul Put has hinted at changes to his starting XI as he seeks to reignite his team’s campaign.
Despite a wealth of attacking talent, including the likes of Jonathan Pitroipa, Bertrand Traoré and Aristide Bancé, Burkina Faso lacked efficiency in front of goal during their first match. Their ability to bounce back — both tactically and mentally — will be critical against a spirited Equatorial Guinea side.
The hosts have little to lose and will be buoyed by their performance against Congo. Their attacking trio, led by captain Emilio Nsue, who scored in the opener, and supported by Javier Balboa and Pablo Ganet, showed flashes of quality that could trouble the Burkinabè defence.
Equatorial Guinea is hoping to replicate its 2012 run to the quarter-finals, when they co-hosted the tournament. With the home crowd behind them and the Stallions under intense pressure, Nzalang Nacional may sense a real opportunity to make a statement.
Probable Lineups:
Burkina Faso:
Sanou – Koffi, Koné, Yago, Bambara – Kaboré, Djakaridja Koné, Alain Traoré – Jonathan Pitroipa, Bertrand Traoré, Aristide Bancé
Equatorial Guinea:
Ovono – Da Graca, Mbele, Iban, Emilio Nsue, Javier Balboa, Enrique Boula, Ivan, Sipo, Ivan Zarandona, Pablo Ganet
Kick-off in Bata is expected to draw a lively atmosphere, with both teams aware that their tournament ambitions hang in the balance.
