CHAN: Burkina Faso bounce back from defeat with victory over Central African Republic

After being dominated in their opening match at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) by co-hosts Tanzania, Burkina Faso returned to relevance in Group B with an important 4-2 victory over Central African Republic on Wednesday.

The Stallions looked much more comfortable in the subdued atmosphere of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam without the pressure of facing the co-hosts. It was a competitive match against CHAN 2024 debutants Central African Republic but the West African side got off on the front foot when Les Fauves defense failed to deal with a corner kick from Josaphat Ouattara and Papus Ouattara chested the Burkinabe team into the lead.

But a quick response restored parity on the quarter hour mark for Les Fauves. After a foul just outside the Burkinabe penalty area, Sydney Tchibind unleashed an impressive shot that left goalkeeper Ladji Sanou with no chance and the match was level again.

After going into halftime level, Burkina Faso asserted themselves again and after the hour mark the Stallions proceeded to trample their opponents. After the hour mark, a dreadful goal kick routine from the Central African team resulted in a desperate sliding challenge from Saturnin Ngarsouna that ended with a VAR review and penalty kick that was converted by defender Abdoul Abass Guiro to put Burkina Faso back ahead.

Another poor challenge allowed Burkina Faso to move into a two-goal lead after the Stallion received a second penalty kick opportunity, which Guiro’s central defensive partner Patrick Malo converted to make it 3-1. Abdoul Baguian’s 84th minute strike put the Stallions far out of reach before Ange Zoumara gave the Central Africans a late consolation in second half stoppage time.

The victory will be a major confidence boost for coach Issa Balboné’s Burkina Faso team, who get a week to rest before facing Mauritania in their third game of the group stage. Central African Republic also face Mauritania next but only have to wait three days before facing their next opponents on Saturday.