The curtains are gradually drawing down for the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations as Burkina Faso takes on the host nation, Cameroon in the 3rd place playoff.
With both teams already meeting in the tournament’s opener, this will be one of the most exciting fixtures as Cameroon would like to go for the bronze medal after missing out on the ultimate. Burkina Faso on the other hand would also try to revenge their 2:1 defeat on matchday 1.
This article will throw light on some interesting key clashes in this encounter.
BERTRAND TRAORE vs VINCENT ABOUBAKAR
Bertrand Traore is one of the important players for the stallions of Burkina Faso and has been impressive from matchday one. His ability to dribble very well as well as creating chances saw him assisting against this same opponent in the opening game of the tournament. He laid off a fine cross for Gustavo Sangare that evaded Andre Onana.
Vincent Abubakar’s contribution to this Cameroon team would never go unnoticed. He’s been phenomenal from matchday one and also one of the favourites for the most valuable player and the top scorer of the tournament. A nightmare for many defenders in the tournament, he has scored 6goals in six games.
GUSTAVO SANGARE vs ZAMBO ANGUISSA
Gustavo Sangare, 25 is one talented midfielder that can play as a wide and a box-to-box midfielder. He’s been very instrumental for the stallions throughout the group stages and also goes down in history as the first player to score a goal in the 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations.
One of the pillars that have held the indomitable lions of Cameroon throughout the tournament is Zambo Anguissa. The Napoli man has the ability to intercept passes and also shield the backline and all this has been evidence for this Cameroonian side.
ABDOUL TAPSOBA vs KARL TOKO EKAMBI
Abdoul Tapsoba Bande’s work rate for the Burkinabe team can’t be overlooked. Although he’s yet to register a goal in this tournament, the Standard Liege man will still get the nod to lead the attack for Kamou Malo’s men.
Karl Toko Ekambi is one goal away to be the joint top scorer of the 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations. The Olympique Lyon forward has bagged 5goals already for the Indomitable lions. He’s one of the few that has shone for the host nation in this competition.
HERVE KOFFI vs ANDRE ONANA
Burkinabe safest pair of hands, Herve Koffi has played a huge role for his side, helping them to the last four stage of the competition. He has pulled some remarkable saves and will be instrumental for coach Malou in their quest to defeat Cameroon for the 3rd place.
Andre Onana has saved the indomitable lions on countless occasions in this tournament. The International Milan goalkeeper denied Mohammed Salah the opportunity to score as he came out for a timely clearance in their semi-final defeat to Egypt on Thursday. A last push for the youngster against Burkina Faso could help him contend for the golden gloves award.
