Latest news with #Stallions'
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Burkina Faso determined to play spoilers as Madagascar chase CHAN history
Published: Saturday, 16 August 2025 The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) has always been about more than titles and medals—it is about pride, resilience, and writing stories that live long after the final whistle. Saturday's Group B clash between Madagascar and Burkina Faso in Zanzibar fits squarely into that frame: one team clinging to hopes of survival, the other seeking redemption and dignity despite an early exit. Burkina Faso's elimination is already confirmed, but Issa Balbone's side have made it clear they will not roll over in their final match. For the Stallions, it is about restoring honour and sending a message that they remain among Africa's respected footballing nations. Madagascar, on the other hand, know that victory is the only way to keep their quarterfinal dreams alive. Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe admitted that the Barea are braced for a tense showdown. 'It wouldn't be an easy game against Burkina Faso, though we are geared towards having a positive result. Mauritania are on 6 points, so anything less than a win will not be sufficient for us.' Madagascar captain Andrianarimanana Arohasina 'DAX' was candid about his side's struggles earlier in the campaign. 'The problem is we didn't start the competition well, because we played with 10 men for almost the entire second half against Mauritania and got a draw,' he explained. "The second game didn't go as planned with defeat to Tanzania. Thankfully, we won our third game against the Central African Republic. But he believes momentum has now shifted. 'After our victory against the Central African Republic, the players' confidence boosted,' he said, urging his teammates to draw inspiration from their bronze-medal run in 2022. 'To repeat the 2022 exploits, we need to win to continue in the competition. We would do everything it takes.' Despite their disappointment, Burkina Faso's camp remains determined to leave a mark. The Stallions came alive with a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Central African Republic, only to see their hopes dashed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mauritania. Veteran defender Patrick Malo made a heartfelt promise to supporters back home. 'We want to honour our people with a good finish against Madagascar. To the Burkina Faso population, we are disappointed for our non-qualification to the quarter-finals.' Coach Balbone echoed that sentiment, insisting that pride remains on the line. 'We are eliminated, but our team is preparing Saturday's game like every other game. Supporters must report to the stadium to watch a great game. We are competitors.' For Rakotondrabe's Madagascar, this fixture is about survival. For Balbone's Burkina Faso, it is about respect. Both coaches know that the match could hinge on fine margins, with the Barea's attacking urgency set against the Stallions' resolve to spoil the party. As Madagascar's DAX reflected, the standard of competition has been unforgiving. 'The group was not going to be easy when it was made. At the CHAN 2023, the Malagasy squad had 3 clubs representing. Now, the number of clubs in our team has moved up to 5, which means better quality from our championship to the tournament finals.' Malo had the final word at the pre-match press conference, reminding everyone that the African game has evolved. 'There are no more small teams in Africa.' Madagascar's fate is firmly in their hands. Win, and the Barea march into the quarterfinals. Fail, and they will be left to reflect on what might have been—while Burkina Faso seek to depart Zanzibar with pride intact.
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Lopez's pride in Mauritania's historic feat, Balboune's vision for a stronger Burkina future
In the bustling atmosphere of Dar es Salaam's Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the night told two very different stories. One was of joy, pride, and a place in the history books; the other was of frustration, lessons learned, and eyes fixed on redemption. Mauritania's Aritz Garay Lopez left the pitch with a wide smile, his players having secured a narrow but vital 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. Across the technical area, Burkina Faso's Issa Balboune carried the weight of elimination but also the determination to build for the future. Mauritania's Winning Mentality from the First Whistle For Garay Lopez, this was not just another win — it was proof of his team's resilience and growth. From kick-off, the 'Al-Murabitoune' looked composed, organised, and hungry for victory. "Our team showed a lot of character from the start of the match," said Garay, still visibly pleased in the post-match press conference. "We are happy, we played well, we controlled the game and we managed to score from a penalty kick. The first half of the match was fantastic. We defended well and played better in attack as well." That first-half performance laid the foundation for the three points that would take Mauritania to seven points, sealing Burkina Faso's exit. A Historic Achievement for Mauritanian Football The Spanish coach didn't hide his pride in what the result meant for Mauritania's footballing journey. "The victory was very important. We now have seven points, and Burkina Faso were eliminated from the tournament after this result. We were excellent, but we still felt a little tired and under pressure in the second half. He went further, underlining just how rare this moment was in the nation's CHAN history. "We managed to win two consecutive matches in a major and strong tournament, something Mauritania had never achieved before. We have also conceded only one goal so far in the tournament, and that was against the host country, Tanzania." Burkina Faso's Painful Exit For Issa Balboune, the post-match reflections were tinged with honesty and regret. Mauritania's clinical approach left little room for a comeback. "We lost our match against Mauritania, which was very difficult. Our opponent was better than us and took advantage of their attacking opportunities better, and played better than we did," Balboune admitted, his expression revealing the sting of defeat. Fighting Against Circumstance, Planning for Tomorrow Despite the disappointment, Balboune chose to focus on the lessons learned rather than dwell on the loss. "Unfortunately, things changed during the match and went against our plans. We will continue our work to reach a better level than we have reached. We will see what happens in the future." His words reflected a mindset that refuses to accept defeat as the final chapter — a promise that the 'Stallions' will come back stronger. Two Coaches, Two Realities Garay Lopez's pride mirrors the upward curve of Mauritanian football, while Balboune's resolve hints at a longer journey for Burkina Faso. The match was more than just a group-stage clash — it was a moment that captured the essence of tournament football: for one team, history was made; for the other, the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow began.
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Mauritania hold off Burkina to reach seven points in CHAN Group B
Mauritania edged a bruising, high-stakes CHAN Group B tie 1-0 against 10-man Burkina Faso in Dar es Salaam, Alassane Diop's first-half penalty enough to settle a contest shaped by a VAR red card and frantic late defending. El Mami Tetah won the decisive spot-kick deep into first-half stoppage time after Kalifa Nikièma tangled with the winger in the area; following a review, Moroccan referee Jelly Chavane pointed to the spot and Diop drove low into the left corner. It crowned a chaotic end to the half that had already seen Abdoulaye Touré dismissed for violent conduct, upgraded to red after another VAR check. The result follows Madagascar's 2-0 win over Central African Republic earlier in the day and lifts Mauritania to seven points from four matches, second behind hosts Tanzania. Burkina Faso remain on three points and, with only one game to play, can no longer catch the top two; their CHAN campaign is effectively over given the standings after Wednesday's action. A half that turned on discipline and video reviews With both sides told this was 'must-win' territory in the pre-match build-up, the opening exchanges were predictably combative. Burkina Faso threatened in a flurry on 14 minutes: Issouf Kaboré and Abdoul Abass Guiro saw efforts blocked before Ousmane Siry's drive was clawed away by Abderrahmane Sarr; Papus Ouattara twice headed off target soon after. Mauritania steadied and carried a growing set-piece threat. Patrick Malo was cautioned for a heavy challenge on Tetah before tempers boiled over: Touré's off-the-ball offence on Moulaye Al Khalil initially drew yellow, then red after review. The Stallions' discipline unravelled again in added time. Issouf Kaboré fouled Tetah on halfway, Nikièma then felled the winger in the box and, after a lengthy VAR check (45+6), Diop did the rest from 12 yards. Stallions rally with 10 men – and hit the post Credit to Issa Balbon's side: a man down, they came out swinging. Patrick Malo forced Sarr into a save from range seconds after the restart and Ladji Brahima Sanou twice kept Burkina in it, tipping over Tetah's angled effort and then getting down smartly to the same player's skidding drive . Mauritania, switched on to manage the game, shuffled the pack: El Mami Tetah made way for Mohamed El Kheir Faraji late on after a busy night of winning free-kicks and shots on target, while Hamady N'Diaye and Moctar El Hacen arrived to shore up midfield legs. Still the danger flickered. Abdoul Baguian met a Mohamed Guira cross with a thumping header that struck the right post, before substitute Papus Ouattara was denied by Sarr at point-blank range . In a frantic finale, Sarr clutched an Abdoul Abass Guiro header low to his right and a swerving long-ranger from Moctar El Hacen drew a flying save from Sanou at the other end. Streetwise Mauritania control the details This was not a night for flowing football. It was a night for timing blocks, buying fouls and concentration at set plays. Nouh El Abd and Soukrana Mheimid defended their box stoutly; Abdallahi Mahmoud's energy knitted Mauritania's 4-1-4-1 together; and the centre-back pair dealt well with aerial traffic as Burkina loaded up late balls. Diop's caution (59) came amid a spiky spell, but Mauritania largely kept their heads while the Stallions' card count grew – Koutiama (62) and Diallo (66) shown yellows before Ouattara was booked in added time (89). What it means The victory moves Mauritania to second on seven points, behind perfect Tanzania on nine. With Madagascar up to four after beating CAR, the Barea are the only side who can still draw level with Mauritania on the final day – but Burkina Faso, marooned on three, can no longer reach the top two in a five-team group. For Artiz López Garai, whose team had scored just once in their first three matches, this was exactly the street-smart performance he demanded – and the moment that may yet carry the Mourabitounes into the last eight. For the Stallions, who struck woodwork and asked late questions despite a man disadvantage for more than 50 minutes, the damage was done by a rash moment and a call confirmed by the monitors.
