Senegal is looking for their third AFCON Final, their second consecutive. Burkina Faso would like to play in the second final of its history. Burkina Faso/Senegal is the poster to the first semi-finals of CAN 2021. The kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. GMT at the Ahmadou-Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé.
The battle promises excitement. There are two sides to this battle: the Teranga Lions, who are gaining in power, and the Stallions, who are still as attractive. This Wednesday’s semi-finals of the CAN 2021 will see Senegal and Burkina Faso meet.
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 at Liverpool, Edouard Mendy at Chelsea, Gana Gueye and Abdou Diallo at PSG, Koulibaly in Naples… In addition, the Senegalese are the reigning African vice-champions. This team is growing in power. Like his quarter-final against Equatorial Guinea (3-1 victory).
Contrary to the popular belief, Burkina Faso is able to present strong arguments. Burkina Faso, despite being confronted by Senegalese people, is making progress in this CAN 2021 because of its collective. The Stallions display unfailing unity. They are a well-oiled team. 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 goal
At the beginning 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 share the same ambition: To offer their countries a first title continentally. If Aliou Cissé, in office since 2015, has already played a final, his counterpart Kamou Malo is playing his first CAN. He has been in office since 2019.
Kamou Malo was not afraid to give up on his dreams. His goal is for the cup to be returned to Ougadougou. “As a competitor, you have to set goals by winning this trophy. I want to make it to the final by selling my skin. We want to smile a little bit for people going through socio-political situations. We know that everyone will follow what we do. We don’t change our identity against Senegal. We know that Senegal is a big armada, but we will remain ourselves”.
A historically tight duel
It is possible that the semi-final of CAN will also be contested. As in previous clashes between the selections. They had already fought during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers (0-0, Ouagadougou, 2-2). Senegal won three of the twelve duels. Burkina Faso won two matches against the Lions. They have drawn seven times between the two teams.
The two teams met in CAN in 2000 (Senegal’s 3-1 win) and 2004 (0-0 draw). Every time in round 1. The meeting of February 02 has a critical stake: a spot in the final. Tonight, 7 p.m. GMT.
Oumar NDONGO
Source: sportnewsafrica
