Afcon 2021 Match Preview: Burkina Faso Vs Senegal

Written By Onyeka Daniel

Burkina Faso are proving to be the surprise package of the ongoing Afcon tournament as they have against all odds made it to the Semi-final and they will be up against one of the tournament favorites, Senegal for a place in the final. They were in the same group with the host, Cameroon, who are also in the semi-final.

They were given little chance of getting to this stage but have made it thus far through some dogged defending and team work and they would need all that and more if they’re to get the better of Senegal. The Teranga lions of Senegal are unbeaten in this tournament and would be keen to stretch that record further against their today opponent. What more, they seem to have the right mix of European flair with the likes of Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly and the two Gueyes, mixed with the African grit and this has helped them overcome all their opponents.

The fact that they have scored two or more goals in their last two matches, while also conceding their first goal of the tournament against Equitorial Guinea, a match they won 3-1 should be another factor that should give their opposition some sort of worry going into this clash. The match will be taking place at the Japoma stadium in Douala and Ethiopian Referee, Weyesa B.T will be in charge.

Style Of Play

Equitorial Guinea coach, Kamou Malo has played primarily with the 4-2-3-1 formation and he is expected to stick to it as it has worked for him so far. They are sure to adopt the defensive approach to curtail the firepower of their opponent, with a double pivot defensive midfield. They will be looking to catch their opponent on the counter and they do know how to utilize their pace to the fullest.

Senegal coach, Aliou Cisse, who played for Portsmouth during his playing days will continue with his 4-3-3 formation that helps to make full use of the array of stars at his disposal especially Liverpool winger and captain of the team Sadio Mane. With three central midfielders (Idrissa Gueye, Nampalys Mendy and Pape Gueye) and their ability to play both the offensive and defensive side of the game, the Teranga lions are able to attack their opponents and sustain the pressure for longer period of time without losing their defensive structure and their wing-backs also join in attacks.

Recent Form

Burkina Faso in their last 15 games played have won 7 times, lost 3 and drawn 5 with their last defeat coming against Cameroon in their first match of the Afcon. In their last 15 matches played, Senegal have won 11 times, lost just once and drawn the remaining 4. They’re unbeaten in their last 11 games and also in Afcon with their last defeat coming in 2021 via penalty shootout, against South Africa in the final of the COSAFA Cup.

Head To Head

Both teams have faced each other just four times and Senegal have just one victory which was in the year 2000 in another Afcon tournament with the remaining matche ending in a draw. The last time out, they played a 2-2 draw in 2017, a World Cup qualifier match.

Players To Watch

Aston Villa midfielder, Bertrand Traore is the dangerman for Burkina Faso and he has been playing as a lone striker for the team since the start of the tournament. For Senegal, they boast of the likes of Sadio Mane, PSG midfielder, Idrissa Gueye, Leicester midfielder, Nampalys Mendy among others.

Injuries And Suspensions

None

Verdict

Senegal have enough quality to triumph over Burkina Faso but it remains to be seen how long they can hold out against the Teranga lions and if they can take the game to penalties, they stand a fair chance of going through to the final. (2-0) in favor of Senegal.

Do you have a story tip?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube

Bookmark (0)

Please login to bookmark