In a thrilling match packed with goals and drama, Burkina Faso earned a convincing 4-2 victory over debutants Central African Republic at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, reigniting their hopes in the group stage of the TotalEnergies CHAN PAMOJA 2024.
Burkina Faso Dominate Brave Central African Republic in Chan 2024 Debut
After a sluggish tournament opener, a 2-0 loss to Tanzania, coach Issa Balbon’s side responded emphatically with a commanding second half. Two well-taken penalties and standout performances from Patrick Malo and Abdoul Baguian proved decisive for the Stallions.
Burkinabé dominance and historic CAR debut
The game started at a high pace. Papus Ouattara opened the scoring in the 11th minute for Burkina Faso, capitalizing on a loose ball after a corner. But Sydney Tchibinda made history just four minutes later, scoring CAR’s first-ever CHAN goal with a stunning free kick into the top corner.
The intensity remained high, with Mohamed Guira picking up a yellow card in the 13th minute for a reckless challenge. The teams went into halftime tied 1-1, but Burkina Faso shifted gears in the second half.
After a VAR review, a foul on Éléazar Ouattara led to a penalty, which Abdoul Abass Guiro calmly converted in the 57th minute. Despite a near equalizer from Dimitri Kogbeto, whose shot hit the crossbar, CAR couldn't capitalize on their chances.
In the 78th minute, a second penalty for Burkina Faso was buried by captain Patrick Malo, and just six minutes later, Baguian added a fourth with a well-executed team move. Ange Zoumara scored a stoppage-time goal for CAR, softening the final scoreline.
The victory puts Burkina Faso on three points in Group B, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive. Meanwhile, Central African Republic, despite the defeat, impressed in their CHAN debut and will need a win over Madagascar in their next match to stay in contention.
