NIGERIA
V
BURKINA FASO
National Stadium
February 10, 2013
*****
Nigeria
Nigeria stormed their way into the finals of AFCON 2013 when they squashed Mali by a 4-1 margin in the semi-finals. By doing so, they have established themselves as firm favorites to lift the coveted trophy this time around.
Nigeria proved that their victory over pre-tournament favorites Ivory Coast was no fluke as they came out all guns blazing against
Brimming with confidence, Nigeria now believe it is in their destiny to lift the AFCON this time round. After being termed as a fluke, their persistence finally paid off. However, the only downside of the match was their star duo ai??i?? Victor Moses and Emenike, who have combined to score 4 goals so far were taken off in the second half due to injury scares.
Playing a 4-3-3 formation, Nigeria will once more deploy the three-striker starting line-up in the finals. They will look to go all out for a victory. Coach Stephen Keshi was optimistic about the availability of Moses and Emenike for the final, although their participation will be down to the result of further scans.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Vincent Enyeama(GK); Elderson, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Obobona, Kenneth Omeruo; Brown Ideye, John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi; Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses, Sunday Mbah
Burkina Faso
Burkina Fasoai??i??s run in this yearai??i??s AFCON has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their fairy tale run continues as they managed to stop Ghana and book their first ever appearance in the finals. As was predicted earlier, the sand-covered pitch at Mbombela was the major talking point.
While Burkina Faso had acclimatized themselves in the sandy pitch, the slick passing game of Ghana was hindered on the same pitch. While this gave Burkina Faso a distinct advantage, but Ghana are no push-overs in AFCON. Another talking point was the performance of referee Slim Jedidi – who made a number of controversial calls, strangely all of them against Burkina Faso. Ghana took the lead through Wakaso from the penalty spot in the 13th minute. Ghana had chances to extend their lead even further but their efforts proved futile. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso got the score leveled in the second half when Bance scored in the second half. The referee took center stage soon as he disallowed a perfectly legitimate goal from Nakoulma. In extra time, Jedidi sent off Pitroipa for a second bookable offense, deeming that he had simulated a dive when replays clearly showed that he was tripped.
Pitroipaai??i??s red card led to an official complaint being filed by Burkina Faso Football Federation. The decision will be reviewed on Friday, February 08. The red card cannot be overruled, but it is possible his suspension will be revoked so that he can participate in the finals. He has been the key player for Burkina Faso in AFCON and should his suspension not be revoked, Burkina Faso might go for the finals without their best player.
This is the first time Burkina Faso have qualified for the finals of AFCON and for most of the players, the journey till now has been nothing short of extraordinary. While they relish the opportunity to rub shoulders with Africaai??i??s best, they know that their victory will seal their place as legends and provide a perfect ending to their fairytale.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Daouda Diakite(GK); Bakary Kone, Paul Koulibaly, Saidou Panandetiguiri, Mohamed Koffi; Djakaridja Kone, Jonathan Pitroipa, Issouf Ouattara; Charles KaborAi??, Wilfried Sanou, Beli Moumouni Dagano
Prediction
NiegriaAi??2 – 0 Burkina Faso
Nigeria will look to cement their place as one of the best should they finally lift the AFCON 2103 trophy. They’ve proved that their journey so far has not been a fluke and the will look to top it off with the perfect ending. However, Burkina Faso has proved time and again that they are no pushovers, and having survived so far in this tournament, they will look to finish off their dream run with the trophy in their hands.
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