AFCON 2021: Cameroon seek podium finish as they face Burkina Faso after semis disappointment

Hosts and five-time African champions Cameroon will be seeking to atone for their exit at the semifinals stage of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Burkina Faso in the third-place playoff match set for Saturday evening at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé.

After missing out on the final, both Burkina Faso and Cameroon will be facing off for a place on the podium of the 33rd edition of the continental competition.

Against Egypt in the semis, the Indomitable Lions failed to seize the chance of fighting for the title on home soil as they lost out 1-3 on dreadful post-match penalties following a scoreless 120 minutes of regular and extra time.

On the other hand, Burkina Faso were picked apart by the Lions of Teranga as they lost 1-3 to the Senegalese side.

In meeting for the final podium place, Burkinabe and Cameroon will be having a repeat match as the two teams faced each other in the very opening game of the tournament in Group A where a Vincent Aboubakar brace helped the team turn the game on its head as they won 2-1.

Having finished third in their last AFCON appearance in 2017, the Stallions will be aiming to finish with flourish yet again although they take on a side they are yet to beat in three past tournament meetings (W2D1).

“We are disappointed following our elimination in the semifinals, but we have to prepare ourselves properly to play this match for third place in the best conditions. We have to remobilize now. We are physically and mentally ready for play our game,” Kamou Malo, the Burkina Faso head coach stated.

3.60 Burkina Faso 3.25 Cameroon 2.25

For Cameroon, the goal was supposed to be getting a sixth title on home soil. It was not to be as Egypt stopped them right in their tracks.

“It's difficult to live in such a situation but that is football,” said Indomitable Lions goalkeeper André Onana.

“We ask our supporters and all Cameroonians to stay around our young team. We have to go after our goals,” he added.

“The sadness is great especially when we do not achieve our objectives. The players have worked well, and I am proud of them. It is up to us to learn now and move forward. I give the best of myself to have the best results with this team. We wanted to write history, but it didn't work out,” head coach Antonio Conceiçao noted.

The game kicks off at 2200EAT.