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Both teams know a bit of each other. They were in the same group (C) and the game contested between them ended in a 1-all draw made possible by a last minute Alain Traore equaliser. The Lorient front man whose 3 goals ensured that the great Stallions qualified for the knockout stages.
The unlikely finalists will slug it out this evening at the beautiful soccer city stadium in Johannesburg with all eyes on the men on the sidelines who have somewhat contrasting fortunes. Paul Put the Belgian manager has been ostracised in his home country over allegations of match-fixing and bribery (The YE ZHEYUN SCANDAL) and cannot manage in his country unless a fresh license is given to him by the FA of Belgium. He has found a new home in Ouagadougou and has surprisingly reshaped the football philosophy in Burkina. The former Gambia coach (2007-2011) affirmed that he gave his boys clips of Greece's 2004 Triumph, Chelsea's UCL win last season and Zambia's road to success last time out, to show them that underdogs can come from nowhere and upstage the so-called cup favourites. The videos have made the desired impact to his delight and he will be hoping to add his name to the Di Matteos, Renards, and Rehhagels of this World in a few hours. Stephen Okechukwu Keshi the 50 year former Super Eagles skipper is a man well respected and revered in Africa. After guiding Togo to the 2006 World Cup against all odds and managing the Malian National team with considerable success, he has etched his name in the History books and expects to add a Nations Cup trophy to his burgeoning resume after today's battle. It will even be more remarkable because of the number of so-called big boys he left out of his final squad list. The likes of Osaze Odemwingie, Taiye Taiwo, Obafemi Martins, Yak Aiyegbeni, Obinna Nsofor, etc were overlooked for Kenneth Omeruo, Obaobana, Brown Ideye, Sunday Mba and co. Even Captain Joseph Yobo has been warming the bench for the past 4 games. It has reaped the desired results as the EAGLES have swept aside all before them in their quest for Continental glory. One more hurdle to scale.
PROBABLE LINEUPS:
NIGERIA:
Enyeama, Ambrose, Obaobana, Omeruo, Echejile, Mba, Mikel, Onazi, Ideye, Moses, Emenike
BURKINA FASO:
Diakite, Koffi, B.Kone, Koulibaly, Panandetiguiri, D. Kone, Rouamba, Pitroipa, Nacoulma, BANCE.
Aristide Bance is deputising for the injured Alain Traore who sadly, can play no further part in this tournament. Burkina Faso have been boosted by the decision of CAF to rescind the RED CARD awarded to Pitroipa and the suspension of Slim Jdidi who should not be handed a whistle again for 2 years. Bance scored the leveller v the Black Stars and took his penalty well in the shoot-out.
Captain Joseph Yobo will watch from the bench once again as his guys try to win the AFCON for the 3rd time ever. The team leader is in his 1st ever final, alongside all his other teammates. Vincent Enyeama will lead the Eagles out, but it remains to be seen who will lift the trophy should the Nigerians emerge victorious. This is Nigeria's 7th final-only Ghana and Egypt have appeared in more.
Old Stallion, Moumouni Dagano has appeared in 6 ANC (African Nations Cup) Tournaments, but has registered just 1 goal. An appalling stat.
Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
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NGR BKF
I used to be an ardent supporter of the Super Eagles,I remember rooting for Nigeria in '88, even when I didn't really have a technical grasp of the beautiful game.
ReplyDeleteMy marriage with the national team hit the rocks after the humiliating exit from the '98 WC, courtesy of the Danes.Since then, I have never supported them in ANY tournament again.
All said, I have to admit that this 5week SK assembled team has to be applauded,they have earned my respect. The way they bundled out the Elephants, who had been our nemesis in the past was superb,I was thrilled not by the size of the opponent but by the general approach, every player did what was expected,eg; I never gave the midfield a chance against a European standard midfield of Tiote,Yaya, Zakora & Romaric.
My final view is that whoever comes out top today, is a deserved winner, may the best team win. I pray that the officials will have a good game,cos there is no doubt that the two teams are ready for an epic showdown, may be like the '94 finals(Zambia vs Nigeria)
Brilliant comment, Ngam. Much Respect. Am with you full time. Regards to the wife.
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