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Burkina Faso got their CHAN 2024 campaign back on track with a convincing 4-2 win over Central African Republic (CAR) in a lively Group B clash played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.
After a poor start to the tournament that saw them lose 2-0 to hosts Tanzania, the Stallions responded in style — producing a dominant second-half performance to see off a spirited CAR side making their first-ever appearance at the finals.
Two penalties, a captain’s goal from Patrick Malo, and an all-round inspired display from Abdoul Baguian lifted Issa Balbon’s side to three points and kept their quarterfinal hopes alive.
Burkina Faso went ahead in the 11th minute through Papus Ouattara, who reacted quickest to a poorly cleared corner to tuck the ball in from close range.
But CAR responded just four minutes later with a goal that will go down in their football history — Sydney Tchibinda curled home a superb free-kick into the top corner, marking the nation’s first-ever CHAN goal.
It was a lively start with both sides pushing forward, and Burkina Faso’s Mohamed Guira picked up an early yellow card for a late challenge as the physical tone of the match was set.
After the break, Burkina Faso stepped up the tempo. In the 57th minute, a VAR check awarded them a penalty after Éléazar Ouattara was brought down in the area. Midfielder Abdoul Abass Guiro calmly slotted it into the bottom corner to restore the lead.
CAR nearly equalised just after the hour mark — Dimitri Kogbeto’s fierce shot came off the crossbar, and Nelson Ngaro fired wide on the counter moments later.
But it was Burkina Faso who would extend their lead. Another penalty in the 78th minute, this time won by Baguian, was smashed home by captain Patrick Malo to make it 3-1.
Baguian then turned goal-scorer, finishing off a flowing team move in the 84th minute to put the game out of reach.
CAR grabbed a late consolation in stoppage time through Ange Zoumara after a neat build-up involving Ngaro, but it did little to change the result.
Despite the loss, Sébastien Ngato’s side will take heart from their performance, especially in attack, as they look ahead to their next match.
The result puts Burkina Faso level on three points with Tanzania and gives them a fighting chance of progressing when they face Mauritania in their final group game.
CAR, meanwhile, will need a win against Madagascar to keep their dream alive.
