AFCON 2015: Paul Put Frustrated by Wasteful Burkina Faso After Stalemate with Hosts
By BBC Sport Africa
Bata – 21 January 2015
Burkina Faso head coach Paul Put has expressed his disappointment following his side’s goalless draw against Equatorial Guinea in their second Group A match at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Stallions, runners-up in 2013, went into the tie needing a win to revive their quarter-final hopes after a 2-0 defeat to Gabon on the opening day. But despite dominating large spells of the game and creating numerous opportunities, they once again failed to find the back of the net.
Speaking to Africa Top Sports after the final whistle, Belgian coach Paul Put lamented his team’s profligacy in front of goal.
“The match should have been decided in the first half,” Put said. “We missed several chances again, just like against Gabon. Our problem right now is finishing. I don’t understand, because we’re creating a lot, which is a good sign—but we’re just not converting.”
Burkina Faso saw efforts from Alain Traoré, Bertrand Traoré, and Aristide Bancé go begging, with the former hitting the woodwork in the first half. Despite their attacking efforts, the Stallions were left to settle for a point that leaves their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
“It’s either a lack of confidence or just bad luck,” Put added. “But if we can create chances, it means the team is playing well. We simply must finish those plays. Equatorial Guinea didn’t have as many chances as we did.”
The hosts, Nzalang Nacional, defended resolutely and occasionally threatened on the counter, but were largely second best throughout. The result leaves Group A finely poised heading into the final round of fixtures.
Burkina Faso will now need to beat Congo in their last match to stand any chance of progressing, while also hoping other results go their way.
