By Bakah Derick
After missing the tournament in the land of Pyramids Egypt 2019 though finishing third in Gabon 2017, the Stallions of Burkina Faso didn't look a promising side for the Semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cameroon 2021.
Their 2-1 defeat against host Cameroon on Sunday 9 January 2022 at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde only confirmed the doubts of many that they may not be a side to stake on. Finishing with a 1-0 win against Cape Verde on January 13 still didn't say much mindful of their opponent's less convincing records in the tournament. Settling for an essential 1-1 draw on the last group stage match against Ethiopia only confirmed their regularity in passing the group stages of recent AFCON participation.
Against a determined and ambitious Gabonese side in the round of 16, the Stallions showed class and finished winners with a 7-6 win after shootouts following a 1-1 draw at full-time.
They took charge of their Quarter-final confrontation with the Carthage eagles of Tunisia at the close of the first-half when Quattara got the opener and winner. The goal scorer will be shown a red eight minutes to full-time, but the Burkinabes will hold on till the final whistle.
The reward for their hard work will be the Teranga Lions of Senegal. The clash in search for a first AFCON title has been scheduled for the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium on Wednesday 1 February 2022.