AFCON 2021: Cameroon hoping for 3rd place finish against Burkina Faso
Fresh off the back of a shock semi-final defeat at the hands of Egypt, Africa Cup of Nations hosts Cameroon will lock horns with Burkina Faso tonight at 8 pm. After a fine run in the qualifiers, Cameroon got the tournament underway in style when they came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso when they met in the Group A opener.
After finishing top of Group A with seven points from three games, Cameroon got the ball rolling in the knockout stages when they saw off a dogged Comoros side 2-1 courtesy of goals from tournament top scorer Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko Ekambi of Olympique Lyon. Karl Toko Ekambi was at it again in the quarter-finals as he struck twice in the second half against the Gambia five days later to hand his side a second last-four appearance in five years.
Cameroon’s quest for a sixth Africa Cup of Nations title came to an end on Thursday when they were beaten on penalties by Egypt following a goalless 120 minutes at the Paul Biya Stadium. In a cagey affair between the two most decorated sides of the competition, the Indomitable Lions were guilty of wasteful finishing as they failed to tuck away their chances. Cameron’s fine run can be attributed to their impressive display at the attacking end of the pitch, where they have scored 20 goals so far and the defence department, managing four clean sheets at the opposite end.
The Stallions of Burkina Faso will be boosted by the return of Lorient youngster Ouattara, who missed the game against Senegal last time out after picking up a red card versus Tunisia last Saturday. The young winger scored a spectacular goal to send his country to the semifinals. Burkina Faso will need to be in top form when they face a wounded Cameroon side seeking redemption in front of their home supporters.
The Indomitable Lions will head into the game seeking to restore some pride following their defeat against Egypt. While Burkina Faso will be looking to leave the competition with the bronze medal.
The Stallions face the stern test of taking on a significantly-superior Cameroon side who will be backed by the home crowd support.
Watch this game live at 8 pm tonight on SuperSport AFCON, DStv channel 202. Customers can also stream the games live on the DStv app and also watch the AFCON highlights on DStv Catch Up. Download the MyDStv self-service app or dial *288# to reconnect and join in on the excitement.
