Burkina Faso look to complete Eswatini double
Burkina Faso will face off with Eswatini in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group B match at Stade de Marrakech in Morocco on Friday.
Kick-off is 8:00 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
The Eagles suffered a 3-1 loss to Cape Verde away on 18 June as they are now winless in their last two matches in the group having drawn 0-0 with Togo in March 2023 before losing.
Having already qualified for the 2023 Afcon finals, Burkina Faso are placed at the top of the Group G standings – level on points with second-placed Cape Verde who will be away to Congo on 10 September.
Meanwhile, Eswatini succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Togo at home on 18 June and it was the Southern African side’s second consecutive defeat in the group, and they remain winless.
The King’s Shield is placed fourth in the Group G standings with their ambitions of qualifying for the Afcon finals having already ended after failing to win their matches.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Burkina Faso head coach Hubert Velud
“The offensive potential is reduced,” Velud said when asked about the absence of Bertrand Traore after announcing the squad that will face Eswatini and Morocco.
“But we will do everything to win these matches because there are not too many absences in the other sectors of the game. Bertrand Traoré came back not long ago.
“Physically, he is limited. We can’t take any risks. Better not to tempt the devil. We will let him resume peacefully with his club.”
Eswatini head coach Domini Kunene
“This is a squad for the Afcon Qualifiers against Burkina Baso,” Kunene said.
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“We know that we are out of the qualification race and want to use this match to help us for the upcoming Chan tournament.
“We also hope the players levels of fitness are up to scratch as they are in pre-season in their respective teams.”
Head-To-Head
Burkina Faso and Eswatini have met three times across all competitions.
The Stallions boast of an unbeaten record against the King’s Shield having won all three of their meetings.
Their last meeting ended in a 3-1 away victory in favour of Burkina in June 2022 in a 2023 Afcon qualifier.