Mauritania and Burkina Faso set for do-or-die showdown in CHAN PAMOJA 2024

The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam is bracing for a night of high tension, high stakes, and no second chances.

On Wednesday, 13 August, under the lights and in front of a passionate African crowd, Mauritania’s Mourabitounes and Burkina Faso’s Stallions will meet in what feels less like a group-stage match and more like a knockout final.

For both sides, the equation is simple: win, and the dream of reaching the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 stays alive. Lose, and the road to glory ends abruptly.

Mauritania’s One and Only Target – Victory

Head coach Artiz Lopez Garai has left no doubt about his team’s mindset going into this contest.

“The important thing for us is to win the last match. We are in a very strong group, and our final match is against Burkina Faso, who are a good team. We must play well against them, especially as they have good players and had more time than us to prepare for this match.”

His tone sharpens when speaking about the stakes.

“We must win this match. Recovery has gone well.”

Avoiding the Calculator – Why Three Points Are Crucial

For Garai, anything less than three points means relying on other teams’ results – a scenario he wants to avoid.

“Naturally, this is our last match. After a win, a draw, and a loss, we won’t have any more games. If we win, we will have seven points and good chances of qualifying. If we don’t win, we will have to wait for other results. That’s why we must win to qualify. If we reach the quarter-finals, we will have enough time to recover well.”

The Spaniard also pointed to a need for sharper finishing.

“We have played three matches and scored just one goal. Technically, I think we are fine, but we need more attacking options. This is a strong tournament, and the teams are at a similar level. We have one last chance to apply what we have learned and prepared for on the pitch. We must be in the right positions to win.”

Focusing on Themselves, Not the Opponent

Midfielder Mohamed Diop says Mauritania will treat the match as a final.

“Everyone knows that our match against Burkina Faso carries big stakes. We aim to win, and we will go into the match for that purpose. We will play as if it is a final — we must win no matter what.”

“Burkina Faso are a good team. They have their strengths, and we have ours. The match will be difficult for both teams. We need to focus more on ourselves than the opponent.”

Burkina Faso – Staying Positive and Ready for the Battle

Burkina Faso’s head coach Issa Balbon insists his team is prepared for the fight.

“We prepared for this match just as we have for the others. We must be fully ready. We will choose the players in the best physical condition — the starting line-up is always based on readiness to defend our country’s colours.”

And he rejects any negativity creeping into the camp.

“We must not be pessimistic. We came to this tournament to compete, and we need to win to continue. I think every team in this tournament is here to honour their country, and in Burkina Faso we will give everything to stay as long as possible in this tournament.”

A Rallying Call from the Captain

Captain Patrick Malo has urged his teammates to seize the moment.

“Every match is important in the tournament. There are no special matches — we always play with the same spirit and determination to win. We have stayed focused throughout preparations. Personally, I feel in top form, and so do my teammates — everyone is focused on winning and continuing in the competition.”

His final words carry the weight of history.

“My message to the players is to write history for yourselves and for your country. We are here to make history, not just to participate. We must not waste this opportunity. We need to deliver more, and history will remember us years from now as the team that achieved something special for its country.”

The Final Word

For Mauritania, it’s about converting possession into goals and taking their last chance to progress. For Burkina Faso, it’s about belief, physical readiness, and refusing to bow out quietly.

When the whistle blows in Dar es Salaam, only one thing will matter – who wants it more.