Burkina Faso-Senegal for a tempting semi-final this Wednesday
The battle promises to be thrilling. Between Teranga Lions who are growing in power, and Stallions still as attractive. Burkina Faso and Senegal meet this Wednesday in the semi-finals of CAN 2021.
If on paper Senegal seems superior, it is because Aliou Cissé’s group is full of internationally recognized players who play in the biggest European clubs. Sadio Mané in Liverpool, Edouard Mendy in Chelsea, Gana Gueye and Abdou Diallo in PSG, Koulibaly in Naples… In addition, the Senegalese are the reigning African vice-champions. A team that is growing in power. Like his quarter-final against Equatorial Guinea (3-1 victory).
Opposite, Burkina Faso has strong arguments. Faced with Senegalese individuals, Burkina Faso is advancing in this CAN 2021 thanks to its collective. The Stallions show unfailing solidarity. And above all a well-oiled collective.
Despite numerous cases of Covid at the start of the tournament, and a Bertrand Traoré who has already missed two matches including the quarter-final against Tunisia (1-0), the Stallions were able to overcome the obstacles.
Two coaches, one mission
At the start of this CAN 2021, there were 16 local coaches. Now, there are only two left: Aliou Cissé in Senegal and Kamou Malo in Burkina Faso. Two coaches who also share the same ambition: to offer a first continental title to their countries. If Aliou Cissé, in office since 2015, has already played a final, his counterpart Kamou Malo is playing his first CAN. He who has been in post since 2019.
Kamou Malo did not hesitate to decline his ambitions.
His goal is to bring the cup back to Ougadougou. “As a competitor, you have to set goals by winning this trophy. I want to go to the end of this competition by selling our skin dearly. We want to give a bit of a smile to our people who are going through a socio-political situation. We know that everything we do will be followed by our people. We do not change our identity against Senegal. We know that Senegal is a big armada, but we will remain ourselves”.
A historically tight duel
This semi-final of the CAN is also likely to be disputed. Like the previous confrontations between the two selections. They had already crossed swords during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers (0-0 in Dakar, 2-2 in Ouagadougou). In twelve duels, Senegal won three times. Burkina Faso has two wins against the Lions. The two teams have drawn 7 times.
In CAN, the two teams met in 2000 (Senegal 3-1 victory) and in 2004 (0-0 draw). Every time in the first round. While the meeting of this February 02 has a crucial stake: a place in the final. See you tonight at 7 pm GMT.
Written by PRINCE Robert
eastafricanreport.com
