Burkina Faso reignited their CHAN 2024 campaign with a dominant 4-2 victory over the Central African Republic in an action-packed Group B clash played on Wednesday evening.
The Stallions bounced back in style following their opening day defeat to hosts Tanzania, while this marked the first loss for the Central African Republic, who were playing their first group match.The match kicked off at a high tempo, with both sides showing attacking intent early on. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute, when Papus Naser Ouattara chested home a corner to give Burkina Faso a deserved lead. The hosts had been the more adventurous side in the opening stages, and Ouattara’s goal was just reward for their efforts.
But the lead lasted only four minutes. Central African Republic responded swiftly through Sydney Chiffort Tchibinda, who curled home a beautiful right-footed free-kick to level matters at 1-1 in the 15th minute. The goal sparked a lively spell from CAR, who began to dominate possession and looked to take control of the match.
Ange Zoumara was particularly active for the Central Africans, twice threatening from distance, though he couldn’t find the target. Burkina Faso, meanwhile, struggled to regain their earlier momentum, with promising moves breaking down before the final third. The sides went into the break level, but it was the Central African Republic who held the lion’s share of possession and territory as halftime approached.
The second half resumed with a more cautious tone, as both sides tightened up defensively. But just past the hour mark, the game took a decisive turn.Following a lengthy VAR review, Central African Republic goalkeeper Saturnin Ngarsouma was booked for a foul in the box, and Burkina Faso were awarded a penalty. Abdoul Abass Guiro stepped up and calmly slotted home to restore the Stallions’ lead in the 65th minute.Seven minutes later, Burkina Faso were awarded a second penalty after a handball by the Central African Republic captain. Skipper Issoufou Dayo Malo made no mistake, converting confidently to give his side a two-goal cushion with just over 10 minutes to play.
The Central African Republic made changes in search of a response, withdrawing Tchibinda and Souango, but they found themselves further behind in the 85th minute. Abdoul Karim Baguian got on the scoresheet with a well-taken goal to make it 4-1, as Burkina Faso ran riot in the closing stages.
There was a late consolation for the Central Africans in stoppage time, with Ange Zoumara finally getting his goal with a powerful strike in the 90+5 minute. But it was too little, too late.
The final whistle confirmed a deserved 4-2 win for Burkina Faso , their first of the tournament , putting them firmly back in contention in Group B.Next up, the Stallions will face Mauritania on Wednesday 13th August, while the Central African Republic take on the same opponent on Saturday 9th August in what is now a must-win fixture.
With the group wide open, both teams will be desperate to pick up points as they chase a place in the knockout stage of CHAN 2024.
