As Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches its climax, the clash between Angola and Burkina Faso promises a thrilling encounter with both teams vying for top honors. With only two points separating the top three teams in the group, this final group stage matchday is crucial, especially for Angola and Burkina Faso, who are already guaranteed at least a top-three spot.
Angola, buoyed by their recent 3-2 victory over Mauritania, enter the match unbeaten in their last eight outings (W2, D6). The Black Sable Antelopes are eager to secure consecutive victories for the first time since November 2022 and make history by topping their group, a feat they’ve never achieved in previous AFCON editions.
Burkina Faso, with a richer AFCON history, aim to bounce back after a dramatic late stoppage-time goal led to a 2-2 draw against Algeria. Having lost just once in their last eight internationals (W4, D3), the Stallions control their fate for progression from Group D. Their solid defensive performances, with only two of their last eight outings seeing them concede more than one goal, may prove crucial in securing success.
Players to watch include Gelson Dala, who scored a brace in Angola’s previous match, and Burkina Faso’s Mohamed Konaté, a key contributor to their campaign. With the hot stat revealing Burkina Faso’s tendency to see late goals in AFCON finals matches, fans can anticipate a thrilling and potentially decisive battle beyond the 80th minute in this Group D showdown.
