2024 CHAN: Burkina Faso  Defeat CAR

The Stallions of Burkina Faso revived their campaign in the African Nations Championship with a 4-2 victory over debutants, Central African Republic. It was a must-win for the West Africans having lost their opening match 2-0 to Tanzania.

Papus Naser Ouattara opened scoring for the Stallions in the 11^th minute. But, Sydney Chiffort Tchibinda equalized three minutes later.

After the break, Burkina Faso produced a superlative performance to overwhelm the debutants.

Abdoul Abass Guiro and Patrick Malo converted from the spot to give Burkina Faso a 3-1 lead. Abdoul Karim Baguian put the icing on the cake six minutes from time.

Ange Zoumara halved the defeat with an extra-time strike.

The win lifts Burkina Faso to three points in Group B and keeps their qualification hopes alive heading into their final group game.

For CAR, the debut fairy tale will have to wait, but they’ve shown enough promise to suggest they’re not here to make up the numbers.

Burkina Faso, semi-finalists in 2018, will next face Mauritania, while CAR must prepare to meet Madagascar in what now becomes a must-win fixture.