CHAN: Burkina Faso will give everything against Mauritania to stay on – Balbone

Burkina Faso’s head coach Issa Balbone has revealed their readiness to fight for everything when they take on Mauritania in a decisive TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.

Both teams will head into the Group B fixture with a chance to qualify. While the Stallions are lying third with three points, the Mourabitounes are a place above them with four points. According to Balbone, Burkina Faso are prepared to fight for every ball and make sure they stay in the CHAN for as long as possible.

“We prepared for this match just as we have for the others. We must be fully ready. We will choose the players in the best physical condition — the starting line-up is always based on readiness to defend our country’s colours,” said Balbone as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“We must not be pessimistic. We came to this tournament to compete, and we need to win to continue. I think every team in this tournament is here to honour their country, and in Burkina Faso we will give everything to stay as long as possible in this tournament.”

Balbone added: “My message to the players is to write history for yourselves and for your country. We are here to make history, not just to participate. We must not waste this opportunity. We need to deliver more, and history will remember us years from now as the team that achieved something special for its country.”

Speaking on behalf of the players, captain Patrick Malo, said: “Every match is important in the tournament. There are no special matches — we always play with the same spirit and determination to win.

“We have stayed focused throughout preparations. Personally, I feel in top form, and so do my teammates — everyone is focused on winning and continuing in the competition.”