A win is the only acceptable result for Ethiopia as the Walias get set for their final Group A match against Burkina Faso at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Following losses against Cape Verde and hosts Cameroon, a win will bring Ethiopia back into contention but they will likely need to win by multiple goals and hope results elsewhere go their way to have a shot at the knockout stages. Burkina Faso have a win and a loss from their first two games, making it so that a draw or victory books their ticket to the Round of 16.
Burkina Faso received good news and bad news relating to Covid-19 in the squad. Star playmaker Bertrand Traoré is back after missing the Cape Verde match following a negative test as well as Seydou Simporé, Dango Ouattara and Soumaïla Ouattara. However, a crucial absence will be goalkeeper Hervé Koffi, who tested positive and will miss out. Expect either Farid Ouédraogo or veteran Aboubacar Sawadogo to take Koffi’s place, both domestic-based shot stoppers. Manager Kamou Malo stressed that there are no easy teams in the AFCON and that his team needs to find a balance between calmness and aggression to obtain the desired result against Ethiopia.
Ethiopian supporters were pleased with the start of their team’s performance against Cameroon as the Walias held the Indomitable Lions to a 1-1 scoreline at halftime with pleasing signs. However, the second half was another story with Ethiopia falling victim to turnovers in their half and allowing Cameroon to exploit them on the break. The Ethiopian style of play and their lack of fear in playing their game continues to entertain, but the team must prevent simple errors in possession to avoid giving their opponents gaps to exploit. There are no reported absences due to Covid-19 or injury and Ethiopia will be hoping to obtain a better result than the last time they faced Burkina Faso in the AFCON, a 4-0 defeat in 2013’s edition.
Media from Burkinabe and Ethiopian sources are below for more insight on both teams along with match facts and a general preview from CAF’s website.
