Burkina Faso head coach Oscar Barro has urged his players to channel their disappointment into determination as they gear up to face Ivory Coast in the third-place playoff of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.
The young Stallions fell short in their semi-final against Mali, ending their hopes of continental glory.
However, Barro insists his side is mentally reset and ready to fight for the bronze medal in what he described as a “very important” final fixture.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Barro acknowledged the emotional blow of missing out on the final but expressed pride in his team’s resilience.
“It’s a very important match for us tomorrow,” he said. “We’ve really re-motivated ourselves after the missed semi-final to come and play this match to the fullest. We didn’t get what we wanted, but it’s not the end of the world. We’re certainly disappointed not to have gone all the way, but we’ll go for 3rd place.”
Highlighting the regional closeness between the two nations, Barro drew attention to the emotional and symbolic weight of the encounter.
“Ivory Coast–Burkina Faso, it’s the same country, it’s the same people. When two brothers play together, each will want to go home and tell the other… It’s a derby and a derby, you win it,” he said. “We’ve prepared for it and we’re going to play to the fullest to go and take the bronze medal.”
Barro also praised the fighting spirit that defines Burkinabè football and assured fans that his players are approaching the match with resolve.
“Know that the Burkinabe’s strength is that we are fighters. We may have lost the battle, but not the war,” he stated. “Anything can happen tomorrow, but we will do everything to snatch this victory. A single match cannot sum up the life of a footballer. I tell young people that defeat prepares for better tomorrows.”
The coach ended his comments on an encouraging note, voicing hope for individual success within his squad.
“We must always take these dark moments and transform them into a better future. This is the message we had for young people. I hope Lookman finishes as top scorer ahead of the other Ivorian talent.”
With pride, purpose, and podium ambitions driving both sides, Friday’s showdown promises to be more than a consolation fixture—it will be a passionate West African derby played for honor.
