AFCON 2022 SEMIFINAL: Burkina Faso vs Senegal

Left with just 4 teams and 4 games to go, the curtains are being drawn on AFCON 2022, and it’s undeniably been a thrilling tournament so far

We’ve got 2 Semifinals, a 3rd place fixture, and a highly anticipated Final to decide our Champion, what a way to go.

Just to keep us abreast with what the tournament looks like, the 4 teams left are Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Egypt.

Burkina Faso will lock horns with Senegal in the first Semifinal tie, while we anticipate a feisty clash between the host nation, Cameroon, and Egypt.

Smiles, huge ties you might want to say. No worries, we’ve got both ties covered up in this article and the next.

Without having anything else to say, let’s head straight to the business of the day

BURKINA FASO:

Impressive Performance In The Competition: Really, these guys should be given some credit for having gotten this far.

Having lost their first game to host nation, Cameroon, In the group stages, they were hugely written off.

But with their 1 draw and 3 wins, including a penalty shootout victory, and building upon each performance every match day, they have shown us that their first loss was just a fluke.

Can they keep up that incredible performance? Well, we can only wait and see.

3rd Semifinal In The Last 5 AFCON Appearance: Another huge fact in favor of the Stallions, isn’t it?. 

What is even more impressive is how much the side has evolved over the years and still managed to maintain its stability in the competition.

Having made it to the Semis in 2013 and 2017 respectively, getting to yet another Semifinal will definitely be a huge boost for Kamou Malo’s men.

And from the look of things, one could bet that they’ll fancy their chances of sealing a spot in the finals having made it to that stage in 2013, only to be seen off by an exceptional Nigerian side.

Do you think they can make it through? Let’s get your response in the comment section.

Next up is the Teranga Lions of Senegal.

SENEGAL:

Excellent Performance: Although they started their quest in this competition pretty slowly, Aliou Cisse’s men have been awesome in the knock-out stages.

Having valiantly fought off tournament dark horses, Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea with a 5 :1 aggregate scoreline, they would look to build upon these strong performances of theirs by taking an extra leap towards the final

Although many might want to say this opponent is sure not worthy enough, one thing we can’t overlook is the boost the Senegalese will get from those wins.

Don’t be surprised if those wins provide them with the huge boost needed to propel them into the final places.

Excellent Defensive Record: Another fact we can’t take away from the Teranga Lions of Senegal.

Conceding just a goal in 5 matches, Senegal currently possess the most solid backline of any side left in the competition.

Definitely, this is a huge plus for them, isn’t it?

With the Burkinabes having averaged a goal per match in this competition, you would bet they will be working off their asses to find a way past this well-drilled Senegalese defense.

Going Farther Than They Did At AFCON 2019: Hmm, this should be the biggest motivation of all.

Falling short of lifting the 2019 AFCON trophy, no thanks to a slim 1 nil defeat to Algeria in the final, it’s most logical to say that Senegal will be all out to correct their wrongs this season.

And how best can they get closer to achieving the above if not by getting a victory over today’s opponent.

A lot of motivation there, isn’t it?

CONCLUSION:

Placing your bet on Senegal firing on all cylinders surely is worth a shot

However, I believe Burkina Faso will not give up without a fight as we’ve seen them do so in times past in this competition.

Really, I believe we will be treated to a blockbuster game, so get your Popcorn with juice, and be ready for an entertaining 90 minutes time of your life

Don’t forget to air your thoughts in the comment section below, they will be hugely appreciated.