A fight for second means Burkina Faso still have it all to play for. Ethiopia on the other hand might regard this tournament as a write off, but pride for your nation is always present from the small stage to the big stage. Bertrand Traore will be hopeful of leading the line, while young star boy, Abubeker Nassir, of Ethiopia will have one last chance to put his name in the hat for a big transfer.
Will it be the desire for three points or the pride of a nation?
Africa Cup of Nations – Group A
Monday 17 January
Olembe Stadium
18:00
To Win
Burkina Faso 6/10 | Draw 43/20 | Ethiopia 52/10
Burkina Faso
The Stallions look a quality team! Hasan Bande chested home (Yes, I said chested home) the only goal of the game just before the first half whistle. A well-worked attack and an excellent cross from Isaa Kabore into the six-yard box set up Burkina Faso for all three points. Burkina’s attacking intent is so pleasing to watch and the constant pressure meant Cape Verde rarely threatened, and when they did goalkeeper Herve Koffi was equal to the attempt.
Head coach Kamou Malo will be please to be on the sidelines again after missing out on the loss to Cameroon, and after a great performance without arguably their most influential player, Bertrand Traore, who tested positive for Covid-19 on the eve of the fixture. The Aston Villa striker was one of four players having to quarantine and I’m sure everyone is hoping for at least one fully fit and ready squad against Ethiopia.
Tied on three points alongside Cape Verde, Burkina Faso now have Ethiopia ahead of them and circumstances look more favourable for the Stallions.
Ethiopia
I expected a lot more from Ethiopia after watching them alongside Ghana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, but then again, they were privy to similar outcomes. A fluid style of play, capable of breaking down opponents, but ultimately failing to prevent anything coming their way. They came out with that exact same style of play, and exploited spaces to get the opening goal, but Cameroon proved to just be on a whole different level.
The hopes in the camp are probably out the window with no points after two fixtures, scoring just one goal. It will just be a strive to retain a slither of pride and claim at least a point.
Prediction: Burkina Faso Win (6/10)
After Cameroon quite literally slammed any confidence out of Ethiopia, Burkina Faso is still looking to secure that second spot. Three points for the Stallions will mean a better chance in the knockout stages, so the fight will be on. The way Burkina move as a unit on occasion coupled with the physical presence Ethiopia struggle with, I only see this fixture going in favour of the home team.
