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.

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.