CHAN: Burkina Faso aim is to go as far as possible – Balboné

Burkina Faso head coach Issa Balboné has revealed the country’s desire to go as far as possible during the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The West African nation have been drawn in Group B alongside the Central African Republic, Mauritania, Madagascar, and Tanzania. The Stallions, who despite being one of the consistent participants in CHAN history, but have never lifted the trophy, will look to improve on their past performances in the competition.

“Our primary goal in Morocco was to work on tactical aspects. I’m satisfied with the group. After losing our first friendly against Morocco, we bounced back a week later and won the second match. That was a very good sign, and it gives us confidence heading into the competition,” Balboné told CAFOnline.com.

“We’re already in competition mode; there’s no turning back. As I said, we’re ready to fight and to make the people of Burkina Faso proud. Like every team present at CHAN, our aim is to go as far as possible. That’s what we’re working toward. The players are ready and motivated to achieve something special in this tournament.”

He added: “No team at this CHAN is easy to beat. What I can say is that we’ve prepared well, we’re confident, and the players are fully aware of the challenge that awaits them in Tanzania. “We must fight for every moment. We need to rely on ourselves and ensure we get out of the group stage before even thinking about the later rounds.”

The Stallions will face Tanzania in the opener of the tournament at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, August 2.