Burkina Faso expects ‘different’ tie against Mali

Burkina Faso head coach Hubert Velud believes the Stallions are in for a tough evening when they face Mali in a crucial Round of 16 tie at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with the game set to commence at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Tuesday night.

Kick-off is at 19h00 CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Mali head into their next game on the back of a 0-0 draw against Namibia, as Brave Warriors coach Collin Benjamin conducted a defensive masterclass against Eric Chelle at Stade Laurent Pokou on the 24th of January. The stalemate saw Mali top Group E ahead of their Round of 16 qualification.

Burkina Faso on the other hand finished second in Group D after their 2-0 defeat against Angola at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro on the 23rd of January. The Stallions claimed a 1-0 win over Mauritania in their opening game at the tournament, while a 2-2 draw against Algeria saw them accumulate enough points to advance to the Round of 16.

TEAM NEWS

Both Mali and Burkina Faso reported no injury concerns ahead of their all-important Round of 16 clash in Korhogo and are expected to field their strongest starting XIs.

What was said…

“We needed a turnover and a change of system because I saw a lot of fatigue in my players so I had to deal with all that,” Mali coach Eric Chelle said after his side’s 0-0 draw with Namibia.

“We started well but afterward it was difficult because we were facing a regrouped block which proceeded against.

“And they were dangerous. I wanted this first place but it is not done. The important thing is our qualification.

“It is a pride to lead this team. We will have to be effective in our physical preparation for our next match."

“We were well focused before the match and motivated to win and take first place in our group,” Burkina Faso coach Hubert Velud said after the Stallions defeat against Angola.

“We cannot say that Angola was stronger than us. There was a lack of attacking effectiveness on the part of Burkina Faso in the match.

“We finished the first round in second place, in a difficult group, and even the Algerian team did not qualify. What matters most to us is the 16-final match. There will be another type of match, different from the group stage matches".

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Mali: Yves Bissouma – Bissouma has been an important player for Mali during the later stage of the Group phase, especially after recovering from an illness. Expected to maintain his place in the starting XI, Bissouma will no doubt be a key figure for his nation against a well-drilled Burkina Faso midfield.

Burkina Faso: Bertrand Traore – The powerful forward was a useful tool off the bench during the group stages and found the back of the net for his side in the first two matches. After receiving a starting berth against Angola, Traore is expected to maintain his place in Burkina Faso’s starting XI on Tuesday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

Mali have the clear upper hand against Burkina Faso going into their Round of 16 clash against the Stallions. In the last five matches played in all competitions, the Eagles managed to claim four wins with one draw played during this period.