JOHANNESBURG — Nigeria are one win away from ending a 19-year wait to reclaim the African Nations Cup, but the favourites are wary of the threat posed by surprise finalists Burkina Faso in tomorrow’s showdown at Soccer City.
Reuters/Kick Off
When they drew 1-1 in their opening Group C match 18 days ago, there was little to indicate that the two west African nations would meet again in the final.
However, both teams have shown grit, determination and a winning mentality that promises an excellent finale to the three-week long tournament in front of a sell-out crowd.
Nigeria appear to hold most of the keys to success, having no real injury worries apart from some concerns over forward Victor Moses who has been outstanding, but picked up another niggling problem in Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat of Mali in the semi-final.
In contrast, Burkina Faso will have to do without Alain Traore who scored three goals at the start of the tournament, but has missed out on the knockout rounds because of injury. They might also be missing defender Mohamed Koffi who went off injured in the 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Ghana in their semi-final on Wednesday.
The two teams, who both like to go forward quickly and play to their attacking strengths, have reached the final in contrasting style with Nigeria in impressive form to beat favourites Ivory Coast 2-1 in the quarter-finals before producing an even better performance to rout Mali in the semis.
Burkina Faso had to battle to a 1-0 extra-time victory over Togo in their quarter-final and then played for another two hours without breaking the deadlock against Ghana in a match that finished 1-1 and went their way on penalties.
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Their never-say-die spirit and determination could test Nigeria to the full tomorrow if the Stallions defence can keep at bay a Super Eagles attack which was rampant against Mali, hitting three goals in a 20-minute first-half blitz.
Koffi has been impressive at the back for Burkina Faso along with Paul Koulibaly and Bakary Kone, but Nigeria are a handful going forward with Moses and John Obi Mikel, teammates at European champions Chelsea, showing their class in midfield.
Up front Emmanuel Emnenike, with three goals, has been dangerous and scored against the Burkinabe in their opener.
The key to success tomorrow could even be decided before the match starts because if Pitroipa or Moses are missing, the balance could tip in favour of the opposition.
