BURKINA FASO
v
GHANA
MbombelaAi??Stadium
February 6, 2013
*****
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso will go in this semi-final clash as clear underdogs after they scored an extra-time winner over Togo in the quarters. Burkina Faso has been able to eke out two draws and two victories so far and will hope to continue their dream run in this yearai??i??s AFCON.
After seeing off last yearai??i??s winners Zambia in the group stages with an expert defensive display, they toiled long and hard against Togo. Jonathan Pitroipa, who was the chief architect of everything offensive about Burkina Faso headed home the winner in the 105th minute. It was a physical encounter to say the least and the referee was not hesitant to dish out cards. As many as 8 were shown during the match as both teams struggled to make any headways in the opposition defence. The finishing from both the teams left a lot to be desired as they fumbled chance after chance in the final third. The game opened up after the break asAi??two teams now preferred end-to-end play rather than physical bout. Burkina Faso deservingly won the tie and now they enter uncharted waters where the mighty Ghana lies in wait for them.
Alain TraorAi?? has been ruled out for the entire tournament following his untimely injury and Burkina Faso will be looking to Jonathan Pitroipa to show them the way. The Stade Rennais player prefers to play either as a striker or a right-winger and has been key to Burkina Fasoai??i??s progress in the tournament. Their main game plan involves flooding the midfield in order to block out the opposition and then hit on the counter attack.
Burkina Faso might hold a slight advantage over Ghana in the upcoming match as they have played as many as four matches at the Mbombela. The pitch has been criticized by one and all with Togo striker Adebayor calling it a “disgrace”. However, that might not be enough to stop Ghana, who prefers a sleek, passing game.
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
Ghana
Ghana has slowly and steadily grown in strength as the tournament has progressed. After their initial draw against Congo DR, theyai??i??ve clawed their way back in this yearai??i??s AFCON and staked their claim of going all the way. One of the pre-tournament favorites, Ghana has made their presence felt with three successive victories.
In their previous match, they faced off against Cape VerdeAi??for a place in the semi-finals of AFCON 2013.
Two emerging players for Ghana has been Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Anthony Annan and James Kwesi Appiah will be looking to mold these two players into quality performers once the tournament is done and dusted. Ghana has performed remarkably well in the absence of John Mensah and Michael Essien with Juventusai??i?? Kwando Asamoah being a force to reckonAi??in midfield.
The Black Stars will be looking to progress to this yearai??i??s finals and hold aloft the coveted trophy which they last won in 1982. Wakaso will be looking to continue from where he left off against Cape Verde, where he scored the onlyAi??goals in the match ai??i?? one from the penalty spot and the other deep in injury time.
Possible Starting XI (4-5-1): Fatau Dauda(GK); John Paintsil, Issac Vorsah, John Boye, Harrison Afful; Christian Atsu, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Mubarak Wakaso, Mohammed Rabiu, Kwadwo Asamoah; Asamoah Gyan
Prediction
Burkina FasoAi??0-2 Ghana
In what will be an interesting encounter for both the teams, Ghana might just be too strong for Burkina Faso at this stage of the tournament. Ghana has to break the jinx that has been placed on them and finally qualify for the finals of the AFCON 2013. Burkina Faso, on the other hand has nothing to lose, given that no one expected them to come so far in this tournament. It will be a cagey affair to say the least but one where Ghana will come out on top. Burkina Faso will have a considerably less rest than Ghana and fatigue factor is likely to even out any advantage they have with their familiarity with the turf.
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