Analysis
In their semi-final encounter against the Black Stars, the Stallions were victims of arguably the worst officiating ever seen at this tournament in South Africa. They had a good penalty call turned down before the referee awarded a dubious one for the Ghanaians to break the deadlock in the first half.
However, backed by confident coach Paul Put, Burkina Faso fought back impressively. They went on level terms in the 60th minute through Aristide Bance. This strike pushed the game into extra-time where Prejuce Nakoulma had a wrongly disallowed potential winner before Pitroipa got controversially sent off.
Still, the Stallions stayed united to defeat the odds. A Panenka-like spot kick from Bance and a heroic save from goalkeeper Diakite bitterly ended Ghana’s hopes of lifting the AFCON trophy for the first time since 1982.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final is poised to produce drama at its highest level, looking at Burkina Faso’s immense fighting spirit and level of concentration which saw them overcome hot tournament favourites Ghana in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Nigeria are dying to capture the throne that was theirs in 1980 and 1994. In midweek, the Super Eagles hit top form against a Malian team determined to cruise to the final and win the AFCON 2013 title in the name of peace.
Nigeria, in fact, had other ideas. Filled with momentum following their quarter-final triumph over runners-up Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles put four goals past the sorry Eagles of Mali as football fans watched – some in ecstasy, others in embarrassment.
When Nigeria and Burkina Faso met in the group stages, how many people seriously predicted that both teams would provide the final battle of the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa?
For the Stallions, the realistic target was never to clinch the cup. However, the chance to do so has now come – much to the surprise of their own government who had made one-week provisions only to assist the country’s travelling fans. These broke supporters from Burkina Faso are in dreamland and gold medals would transform them into the richest people in Africa but like Egypt (2006, 2008) and Zambia (2012), Nigeria could lift the Cup of Nations having defeated Ivory Coast on the road.
Nigeria’s most recent match stats (4-1 win against Mali)
Ball possession: 52 per cent; Corners: 7; Shots on target: 7; Shots wide: 8; Fouls: 15; Offsides: 3
Burkina Faso’s most recent match stats (1-1; 3-2 on penalties win against Ghana)
Ball possession: 55 per cent; Corners: 10; Shots on target: 6; Shots wide: 15; Fouls: 20; Offsides: 1
Prediction
Burkina Faso have been boosted by Jonathan Pitroipa’s red card clearance. The Stallions will also be motivated by their semi-final heroics against scandalous Tunisian referee Slim Jedidi who has eventually been banned by CAF. Another plus for Burkina Faso is that they managed to share points in a dramatic 1-1 draw with Nigeria in their AFCON 2013 opener.
However, Stephen Keshi’s men are expected to be well equipped to gun down the underdogs in Sunday’s final. The match could turn out to be a very close affair with the Super Eagles edging it. Zambia won the trophy 19 years after the 1993 tragedy. Nigeria could win the trophy 19 years after their 1994 CAN triumph.
Nigeria 1-1 Burkina Faso (3-1 to Nigeria on penalties)
