Prediction: Senegal win
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The Africa Cup of Nations has been as enthralling and unpredictable as many would ve hoped and as we look ahead to the next few days, something tells us that trend will only continue. We re down to the final four with the semi-final stage being upon us and today, we re going to take a look at what should be a fascinating clash between two long-time bridesmaids: Burkina Faso and Senegal.
Burkina Faso
While it may not be a team that is well known on the world stage, Burkina Faso has been in the African limelight a great deal over the course of the last decade. In this tournament, in particular, many wouldn t have thought they could come close to emulating their 2013 success and yet they ve done brilliantly to work through some adversity that included a nice win over Tunisia.
Team News
Djibril Ouattara is considered to be a fitness doubt for this game whereas Dango Ouattara is suspended after scoring and getting sent off in the quarter-final.
Senegal
Senegal feel as if now is their time to shine and finally become African champions after years of waiting to try and achieve that goal. Sadio Mane has been key to this side getting to where it is today and through sheer will power alone, they re the favourites to win this game and will almost certainly back themselves to finally end their barren run in AFCON.
Team News
There are no major injury problems or suspensions for Senegal to worry about with Sarr expected to feature as well as Kouyate.
Factors to Consider
The winner will face Cameroon or Egypt in the final.
Burkina Faso have won two, drawn two and lost one of their AFCON games.
Senegal have won three and drawn two of their AFCON games.
Burkina Faso have reached the final once in 2013.
Senegal have reached the final twice in 2002 and 2019.
Conclusion
This is going to be another tight and tense game with very little to separate the two sides, in our opinion, despite the fact that many believe there s an ocean between them in terms of overall quality. Burkina Faso are going to pick their moments and probably get desperate late on if they can t find the back of the net before then, but in the end, one goal should be enough to secure Senegal s passage into a second straight final.
Prediction: Senegal win
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