KORHOGO, Burkina Faso – After their recent defeat against Angola, the Stallions of Burkina Faso, now gearing up for the eighth finals of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2023, have pledged to give their all in the upcoming match against the Eagles of Mali in Korhogo.
The Burkina Faso team, still reeling from their loss in the third group match, has resumed training in Bouaké.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this match against Angola provided valuable lessons, and they are now fully focused on their next challenge. Goalkeeper Sébastien Tou, despite not having played any minutes in this CAN, expressed his disappointment over the defeat but emphasized the importance of moving forward. “The defeat against Angola was complicated, but our primary goal of qualifying has been achieved. We are now concentrating on preparing for Mali. They are a strong team, but so are we. We aim to be at 200% for a crucial victory,” he said.
The team is aware of Mali’s undefeated streak in the group matches and is relying on their management to devise a winning strategy. The return of Blati Touré from suspension and possibly Mohamed Konaté from injury bolsters the team’s lineup for the next game.
Midfielder Sacha Bancé, who has seen around ten minutes of play in this CAN, spoke positively about the team’s morale and their determination to progress further in the tournament. “We know Mali is strong, but we believe in our abilities and team strength,” he commented.
Left-back Valentin Nouma, yet to play in this CAN, emphasized the significance of the match against Mali, likening it to a final and highlighting the need for thorough preparation. “Burkina is no longer a small team. This match will hinge on the finer details,” he stated.
For their trip to Korhogo, the Stallions plan to arrive from Bouaké on January 28 to familiarize themselves with the city and the stadium. They are counting on the support of their “12th man” – the dedicated fans who travel to support the team. “Their support will be crucial for our victory,” concluded Bancé, as the team looks forward to the January 30 match at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium.