Burkina Faso delivered a solid performance in their 2-0 victory over Burundi during the latest AFCON qualifiers, securing a vital three points.
Goals from Mohamed Konaté and captain Bertrand Traoré sealed the win for Burkina Faso in a match dominated by physical battles and relentless attacks.
This result strengthens Burkina Faso’s position in their qualification campaign, while Burundi is left reflecting on missed opportunities and costly errors.
Early Pressure from Burkina Faso
The match started at a fast pace, with Burkina Faso quickly asserting their dominance. It didn’t take long for the visitors to strike, as Mohamed Konaté opened the scoring in the fifth minute.
A well-timed cross from Cédric Badolo following a corner found Konaté in the center of the box. He leaped above the defenders and headed the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving Burundi goalkeeper Trésor Mossi with no chance.
The early goal was a sign of Burkina Faso’s intent and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Despite falling behind early, Burundi showed resilience and tried to get back into the game. They came close to equalizing in the 41st minute when Jean Girumugisha’s powerful shot from outside the box rattled the crossbar.
It was a reminder that Burundi could be dangerous when given space, but they struggled to create consistent chances.
Second Half: Burkina Faso Continues to Dominate
The second half saw Burkina Faso maintain control, with their attacking players constantly threatening Burundi’s defense.
Bertrand Traoré, who was brought on in the 64th minute, made an immediate impact with his pace and skill. His influence on the game grew as the half progressed, and he became a constant source of danger for the Burundian backline.
In the 86th minute, Burkina Faso nearly extended their lead when Lassina Traoré’s shot from close range hit the crossbar.
The rebound fell to Bertrand Traoré, but his follow-up effort was saved by Mossi. It was a moment of relief for Burundi, but the pressure from Burkina Faso didn’t stop.
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Traoré Seals the Victory
The game was effectively decided in stoppage time when Burkina Faso was awarded a penalty after Issa Kaboré was fouled inside the box by Burundi goalkeeper Trésor Mossi. Bertrand Traoré stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly slotted it into the bottom left corner, securing the 2-0 win for his side.
Traoré’s goal was a fitting end to a match in which Burkina Faso had been the better side. Their dominance in possession, combined with their ability to exploit Burundi’s defensive weaknesses, made them deserving winners. For Burundi, it was a frustrating night as they struggled to break down Burkina Faso’s defense and create clear scoring opportunities.
Defensive Struggles for Burundi
While Burkina Faso’s attacking play was impressive, much of their success was down to Burundi’s defensive lapses. Throughout the match, Burundi struggled to deal with Burkina Faso’s pace and movement, particularly down the wings. Players like Issa Kaboré and Blati Touré caused problems for the Burundian defense with their overlapping runs and dangerous crosses.
Burundi’s backline, led by Frédéric Nsabiyumva, worked hard to keep their opponents at bay but often found themselves overwhelmed. Despite some bright moments, like Girumugisha’s shot that hit the crossbar, Burundi never really looked like breaking down Burkina Faso’s well-organized defense.
Key Moments and Substitutions
Both teams made several substitutions throughout the match as they looked to influence the game. For Burkina Faso, the introduction of players like Bertrand Traoré and Lassina Traoré added a new level of intensity to their attack. Bertrand Traoré, in particular, brought a sense of urgency that helped his side maintain their lead and eventually extend it with his penalty.
Burundi, on the other hand, made changes to try and turn the tide in their favor. However, the likes of Henry Msanga and Richard Kirongozi were unable to make a significant impact after coming on. Injuries also played a part in Burundi’s struggles, with several players forced off, including Aruna Mussa and David Irishura.
Burkina Faso’s Road Ahead
This victory was crucial for Burkina Faso as they continue their push for AFCON qualification. The win sees them strengthen their position in the group, and they will take confidence from their strong performance against Burundi. With players like Bertrand Traoré and Mohamed Konaté in fine form, Burkina Faso looks like a team capable of going far in the tournament.
For Burundi, the result is a setback, but there were some positives to take from the match. Despite the loss, they showed glimpses of attacking quality, and with a bit more composure in front of goal, they could have made the game more competitive. Burundi will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back in their next qualifying fixture.
