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Burkina Faso vs CAR: Debutants eye fairytale start against wounded Stallions
In the vibrant heart of Dar es Salaam, the stage is set for one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) as Burkina Faso lock horns with tournament debutants Central African Republic (CAR) on Wednesday.
For Burkina Faso, it's a desperate quest to recover from a stinging opening defeat to hosts Tanzania at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
For CAR, it's a moment of history — their first-ever CHAN appearance, driven by dreams, defiance, and national pride. This clash is more than a match. It's a crossroads of ambition and identity. Burkina Faso Coach: 'We Are Defending a Nation, Not Just Playing a Match'
After a sluggish start to their campaign with a 2-0 loss against Tanzania, Burkina Faso head coach Issa Balbone knows his side must respond — not only to preserve their qualification hopes but to rekindle belief among fans back home.
'We started our journey with a loss, and now we must rebuild trust in ourselves to move forward,' Balbone said in a pre-match press conference.
'We're not just here to play — we're here to represent an entire country. That means everything.'
He pointed to fatigue as a factor in their underwhelming opener.
'The travel was exhausting, and it drained our energy before the first game. But now, all the players are ready. There is no fear — only readiness.'
Burkina Faso, who reached the CHAN semi-finals in 2018, are one of the few West African sides with tournament pedigree.
But with little known about their next opponents, Balbon stressed the need for caution: 'We'll stay patient, especially in the opening minutes, because this is a team we haven't studied closely.' Captain Malo Issues Rallying Cry: 'There Are No Small Teams in Africa'
Veteran defender Patrick Malo echoed his coach's urgency and called for unwavering commitment on the pitch.
'There's no room for excuses or underestimation,' he said.
'Every team here deserves respect — there are no small sides in African football anymore. We must play with maximum focus and leave no doubt about our intentions.'
Burkina Faso's strength in recent years has been their physical resilience and organised defensive unit.
But against a debuting side full of energy and unpredictability, they'll need to show mental strength and sharp execution in the final third. Central African Republic Step Into the Spotlight: 'This Is No Adventure — We Belong Here'
While Burkina Faso fight to stay afloat, the Central African Republic enter the competition with optimism and a deep sense of purpose.
This is their first-ever appearance at the African Nations Championship, and coach Sébastien Ngato is determined to make it count.
'We are not here by accident,' Ngato told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
'This is not an adventure. We've been working with this group of players since 2021. They know each other well. They understand the mission.'
CAR's long road to CHAN began with a bold domestic football development plan — investing in young talent, playing consistent friendlies, and assembling a squad of home-based players with unity and hunger.
Their presence at CHAN 2024 is already a breakthrough moment for a nation that has never qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations at senior level. Confidence With Caution: 'We Play With Respect, But No Fear'
Ngato dismissed any suggestion that his team would be overwhelmed.
'We know people talk because we're new. But we're here to play football with confidence and respect. Every team at this level deserves credit — including us.'
He added: 'We prepared seriously for this moment. The odds are 50-50. We'll fight to earn the result we want.'
His sentiment was echoed by Donald Gissi, one of CAR's rising stars.
'We've trained hard, we're ready, and we're determined to make a statement. It's our first time, but we'll fight for a respectable result. That's on us.' A Battle of Redemption and Revelation Awaits
The stakes are clear. A win for Burkina Faso revives their CHAN campaign. A strong debut for CAR writes a new chapter in their footballing history.
As coach Balbon put it, 'This isn't about individuals — it's the story of an entire nation.'
But Ngato's calm confidence signals a different narrative: 'The game is equal before the whistle. Let's see what happens on the pitch.'
On Wednesday in Dar es Salaam, Group A may just witness its most defining night yet.
