Burkina Faso gallop past debutants CAR in six-goal TotalEnergies CHAN clash

Burkina Faso produced a dominant second-half display to defeat debutants Central African Republic 4-2 and revive their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

After a sluggish start to the tournament, where the Stallions were outplayed in a 2-0 loss to Tanzania, coach Issa Balbon’s side responded emphatically.

Two second-half penalties and an inspired performance from Patrick Malo and Abdoul Baguian helped them outclass a spirited CAR side playing their first-ever CHAN match.

The result breathes life into Burkina Faso’s Group B journey and ensures that qualification for the quarter-finals remains within reach.

Fast start, quick response

Burkina Faso struck first in the 11th minute through Papus Ouattara, who was quickest to react after a corner was only half-cleared, slotting home from close range to put the West Africans ahead.

But the lead didn’t last long. Just four minutes later, Sydney Tchibinda equalised with a stunning free-kick into the top corner — a goal that will be etched in CAR football history as their first-ever strike at a CHAN finals.

The early exchanges were frantic, with both teams going for it, and CAR showed little sign of nerves despite their historic debut on the continental stage.

Burkinabe midfielder Mohamed Guira picked up a yellow card for a clumsy foul in the 13th minute, underscoring the physical tone of the match.

Stallions take control after the break

After a 1-1 scoreline at the interval, Burkina Faso came out with renewed intensity in the second half.

A VAR review in the 57th minute awarded the Stallions a penalty after a foul on Éléazar Ouattara. Abdoul Abass Guiro stepped up and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to restore their lead.

Guiro, who completed the most passes in their opening defeat to Tanzania, was again at the heart of Burkina Faso’s midfield play — this time adding a goal to his name.

The Central Africans, not to be discouraged, nearly levelled again in the 65th minute when Dimitri Kogbeto’s powerful shot cannoned off the crossbar. Nelson Ngaro also came close a minute later but fired wide on the break.

Those missed chances proved costly.

Penalty drama and late fireworks

Burkina Faso extended their lead to 3-1 in the 78th minute after another penalty was awarded, this time to Baguian after he was brought down in the box.

Up stepped captain Patrick Malo, who rifled his effort into the top right corner with authority.

Moments later, Baguian got on the scoresheet himself, turning in a well-worked move in the 84th minute to put the game beyond doubt at 4-1.

CAR grabbed a late consolation in stoppage time through Ange Zoumara after some neat play involving Nelson Ngaro, but it was too little too late.

Despite the loss, coach Sébastien Ngato’s men will take positives from their debut CHAN appearance. They showed flashes of quality and will look to regroup for their next group match.

What it means

The win lifts Burkina Faso to three points in Group B and keeps their qualification hopes alive heading into their final group game.

For CAR, the debut fairy tale will have to wait, but they’ve shown enough promise to suggest they’re not here to make up the numbers.

Burkina Faso, semi-finalists in 2018, will next face Mauritania, while CAR must prepare to meet Madagascar in what now becomes a must-win fixture.