YAMOUSSOUKRO – In a crucial Group D match of the CAN, the Stallions of Burkina Faso are set to face the Palancas Negras of Angola in Yamoussoukro on Tuesday. The Burkinabè team, coached by Hubert Velud, is aiming for a victory to secure the top spot in the group and advance further in the competition.
According to Burkina Information Agency, who spoke at a press conference in Bouaké on Monday, the team has been preparing diligently for this match. “We are 100% going for first place. I don’t think about other things because the group is ambitious. It’s our mentality to move forward,” he asserted. The Stallions’ coach recognized the strength of the Angolan team, noting their ball-handling skills and acknowledging the significance of the upcoming match for determining the group leader.
Etalons’ goalkeeper Sébastien Tou, despite being fourth in the hierarchy of the team’s goalkeepers, expressed confidence in the preparations. “Every Burkinabè plays every match to win. It is with great desire and confidence that we prepared for this match to achieve our victory. Our destiny is in our hands,” he said, emphasizing the team’s determination and positive mindset.
Coach Velud also confirmed the availability of Dango Ouattara, the Bournemouth striker who is back from injury, adding valuable experience to the Burkinabe attack. However, the team will be without Mohamed Konaté, suspended due to card accumulation.
Aware of the Palancas Negras’ strengths in counter-attacks, Velud has prepared his team to play intelligently and avoid being outmaneuvered. “We have our qualities too. In the spirit we will do everything to seek victory intelligently without being countered,” he remarked, highlighting the team’s strategy to confront Angola’s athletic prowess.
The Stallions have faced challenges in their previous matches, including injuries to key players like Guira, Dango, Traoré, and Nagalo, and suspensions for Mohamed Konaté and Blati Touré. Despite these hurdles, Velud remains confident, citing the depth and variety in the team’s roster. “We count on everyone. We have a large group,” he reassured.
Currently, Burkina Faso stands second in Group D with 4 points and a +1 goal difference, trailing Angola by goal difference and ahead of Algeria and Mauritania. A win against Angola would secure the Stallions’ leadership in the group and allow them to continue their journey in the competition, hosted in Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024.