Angola and Burkina Faso are set to face off in a highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations clash at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium on Tuesday.
With both teams already securing their place in the knockout phase, this match will determine the group winner.
Match Preview:
Angola enters this game with a superb 3-2 victory over Mauritania’s Al-Murabitun. Pedro Goncalves’s men took the lead through Gelson Dala, only to be pegged back by Sidi Bouna Amar.
However, quick goals from Dala and Gilberto secured the win, rendering Aboubakary Koita’s strike inconsequential. The Black Sable antelopes now sit at the top of Group D, level on points with Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso, on the other hand, played out an exciting 2-2 draw against Algeria’s Fennec Foxes. Despite taking the lead twice through Mohamed Konate and Bertrand Traore, they were unable to hold on as Baghdad Bounedjah equalized on both occasions.
Les Etalons currently trail Angola only on goal difference, with four points from two matches.
Angola’s recent form in the Africa Cup of Nations has been a draw and a win, while in all competitions, they have recorded three draws, two wins, and a loss.
Burkina Faso, on the other hand, has a win and a draw in the tournament and a record of two wins, one loss, and three draws in all competitions.
Team News:
Burkina Faso might be without Adama Guira due to an injury scare in their previous match against Algeria.
However, Bertrand Traore, who has scored in consecutive matches as a substitute, could earn a starting spot.
Angola’s Gelson Dala, in remarkable form with six goals in his last six games, will be a key player to watch.
Possible Lineups:
Angola: (4-2-3-1)
Neblu;
Fortuna, Buatu, Gaspar, Afonso;
Show, Fredy;
Dala, Zini, Gilberto;
Mabululu
Burkina Faso: (4-2-3-1)
Koffi;
Yago, Tapsoba, Dayo, Nagalo;
Ouedraogo, Toure;
Tapsoba, Sangare, Traore;
Konate
Prediction: Angola 1-1 Burkina Faso
Both Angola and Burkina Faso have displayed strong performances in the group stage and will be brimming with confidence.
With little to separate these two sides in their previous encounters, we predict a tightly contested match ending in a 1-1 draw.