Burkina Faso Vs Senegal
Burkina Faso Vs Senegal Wednesday 2nd February, 2022 – 19:00 (GMT)
Africa Cup of Nations
Pick: Draw
Odds: 21/10
Bookmaker: Betfair
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 31st January 2022)
Preview: We are down to the final four at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. And while three of the four sides still standing were among the pre-tournament favourites, there is perhaps a surprise element about Burkina Faso‘s continued participation. Senegal are the final hurdle between them and Sunday’s final against Cameroon or Egypt.
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Table of Contents
Burkina Faso – Stallions race not run yet?
A fourth Africa Cup of Nations semi-final awaits Burkina Faso after ousting 2004 champions Tunisia 1-0 in a tight quarter-final, settled by 19-year-old Dango Outtara’s composed finish on the stroke of half-time. The youngster was subsequently sent off late on, though, depriving Kamou Malo of a potential match winner as he attempts to become only the second coach to guide The Stallions to the final.
The suspended Ottara’s lasting memory of this tournament could well be his winner over Tunisia. His team will begin the semi-final as considerable underdogs. The Burkinabe are a resilient sort, though, going unbeaten (W2 D2) since succumbing to the hosts, Cameroon, in the opening game of the tournament. They have also found the back of the net in every outing thus far, albeit never more than once.
Key Stat: While clearly not the most prolific of teams, by scoring in all five games at this tournament (five goals) Burkina Faso ensured they have only failed to score in one of their past 13 internationals going back to September 2021.
Senegal – Cisse’s men justifying favourite status?
Tournament favourites Senegal, who came into the tournament as the highest ranked side at 20th, continued their march towards Sunday’s final with a 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-finals. That was the first time Aliou Cisse’s men had conceded in Cameroon, previously keeping clean sheets in wins against Cape Verde and Zimbabwe as well as draws with Guinea and Malawi.
The Lions of Teranga delivered arguably their strong all round display of the tournament in the last round, playing aggressively on the front foot and committing more numbers forward than in earlier contests. Sadio Mane carved out a number of openings for team-mates and was awarded with an assist for the opener. Meanwhile, that is now 11 games without defeat, winning eight, in a run going back July 2021.
Key Stat: There were four goals in Senegal’s quarter-final victory over Equatorial Guinea, one more than in their four previous games at these finals combined (3).
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Burkina Faso Vs Senegal Betting Advice
Few expected Burkina Faso to go as far as they have. Nevertheless, they are here on merit having gone unbeaten (W2 D2) since losing to hosts Cameroon in their opening game of the tournament. That loss was no sleight on them either, as Cameroon will start the second semi-final against Egypt as favourites. Furthermore, The Stallions have held Senegal the last three times they’ve met (2-2 and 0-0 in 2017, 0-0 in 2004).
Burkina Faso Vs Senegal – Key Facts:
- Each of the previous three meetings between these countries has ended in a draw, with two of these encounters finishing goalless.
- Both teams have scored five times at the tournament. However, only Burkina Faso have found the net in all five games (Senegal scored in three).
- Burkina Faso are trying to reach their second AFCON final (first was in 2013). Senegal have made it to two finals previously, including last time around in 2019.
Burkina Faso are yet to blank in this tournament, netting in all five encounters in normal time. It is a theme they will do well to maintain against a Senegal backline which has been breached once across 450 minutes of football at these finals. The Burkinabe are no slouches, though, shipping two goals in the last four games. Miserly defences and a history for drawing when they meet points to this first semi-final going the distance.
Best Betting Odds – Burkina Faso Vs Senegal
Burkina Faso – 5/1 (Bet365)
Draw – 21/10 (Betfair)
Senegal – 4/5 (WilliamHill)
