AFCON 2021: We have the spirit and determination to qualify for the semi-finals – Kamou Malo
Burkina Faso Coach, Kamou Malo believes his team have the spirit and determination to defeat Tunisia, and progress to the semi-finals.
Burkina Faso finished second in Group B before defeating Gabon on penalties to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
The Stallions are aiming to take it a step further by reaching the semi-finals of the tournament, for the fourth time in their history at the Africa Cup of Nations.
History is on their side when they take on the Carthage Eagles later today at 17.00 in a quarterfinal showdown.
This is the third time both teams will be facing each other in the quarterfinals at AFCON. The Stallions defeated the Carthage Eagles in their last two encounters, when they hosted it in 1998 (penalties) and Gabon, 2017 ( 2-0). They are determined to do it again in Cameroon, 2021 to make it 3/3.
“The next match is qualifying for the semifinals, so it is very difficult. We have determination to continue the journey and feel the responsibility. Kamou told the media.
“Our players are young and have the enthusiasm to win and continue their way. Tunisia is a good and cohesive team, but our side is armed with spirit and determination.
“The game will not be played on paper, but on the field. We don’t think about the past, but the present is always more important. We have a young ambitious team, and we can write our present and future.” He added.
Burkina Faso midfielder, Adama Guira believes their victory against Tunisia will make the Burkinabés happy and help ease the situation in their country.
“We are delighted to be in the quarterfinals, and we can’t wait for the match, which will be as a final. Adama said
“Our victory will contribute to easing things in our country and will make our people happy, and this is what we are striving for. We have young players, but they are playing at the highest levels in Europe.
“The team is well prepared, and we are among the best in the tournament. We keep improving game after game.” Adama added.
Tunisia have been unpredictable in this tournament. Only few people believe they can reach the quarterfinals following their less impressive performance at the Group phase, losing to the debutant, Gambia, and the Eagles.
But they did progressed to the quarterfinals following their lone goal victory against the Super Eagles. Tunisia assistant coach, Jalel Kadri is looking forward to a repeat of the performance against Nigeria today.
“Most of the teams that were candidates to play the quarterfinals are no longer here, and this indicates the strength of the competition. All the teams in the quarterfinals are on the same level. Jalel Kadri Said.
“The solidarity of the players and technical staff is what made us overcome the difficult circumstances and we do not have the luxury now to provide a level lower than the last match.
“We respect all the teams, and we will treat Burkina Faso as the strongest candidates for the title. We have to think with that mentality if we want to get far.
“We know that the match will be difficult in all aspects, but we will deal with it appropriately. I have confidence in all the players and each of them has a role in the game.” As quoted by cafonline
Tunisia midfielder, Wahbi Khazri says they are happy with their performance against Nigeria and they will repeat the same against the Stallions.
“Our weapon and source of strength has always been our collective and victorious spirit. We are happy with what we did against Nigeria. Wahbi told the media
“And we will continue to do the same against Burkina Faso. Against Nigeria we showed our ability to win.
“We appreciate Burkina Faso very much because they are a very good team. We are in full focus. In football, we do not underestimate anyone, but we will show the world what we have.” He concluded.
