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Cameroon v Burkina Faso
2021 Africa Cup of Nations
Group A, Matchday 1
Sunday 9 January 2022
Olembe Stadium, Yaounde
Kick-off at 18:00
Africa Cup of Nations hosts Cameroon will look for a winning start to the tournament when they face Burkina Faso in a Group A clash at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde on Sunday 9 January 2022, kick-off at 18:00.
Cameroon are one of the most successful nations in AFCON history: only Egypt (seven) have won more titles than the Indomitable Lions’ five, the most recent of which arrived in 2017. They will be under pressure to make it six, and building momentum right from the start of the Nations Cup will be key.
The hosts will look to their experienced players to carry the burden of expectation, with the likes of Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Karl Toko Ekambi and Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui all seasoned at international level.
“We will have to put a tactical strategy with the creativity of our players to make the difference. Nowadays there are no easy matches. A lot of difficulties are expected but we are prepared and ready to go into battle,” said Cameroon coach Toni Conceicao.
Burkina Faso are returning to the AFCON after missing out on the 2019 edition in Egypt. They finished an impressive third in 2017 and were runners-up in 2013 – their two best showings in the history of the tournament.
The Stallions also boast some experienced campaigners – headlined by Aston Villa striker Bertrand Traore, as well as defenders Steeve Yago and Issoufou Dayo – and they will revel in being the underdogs in this opening game.
In head-to-head stats, Cameroon and Burkina Faso have met in nine matches across all competitions since 1998, with the Indomitable Lions claiming four wins compared to one for the Stallions, while four games have been drawn.
The teams last met in an African Nations Championship (CHAN) group stage match in Yaounde in January 2021, with the clash ending all square at 0-0.
Cameroon v Burkina Faso – Head-to-head
Matches played: 9
Cameroon wins: 4
Burkina Faso wins: 1
Draws: 4
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