Afcon finale: Locals divided on favourites

As the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations comes to an end this evening, coaches and legends favour Nigeria’s Super Eagles to carry the day while others have staked their money on debutants, Burkina Faso.

The setting is the ‘Calabash’; the magnificent Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, at 8.30pm. At stake is the prestigious trophy, African glory as well as $2 million (about K700 million).

Most veteran coaches, who spoke to Nation on Sunday, give Nigeria the edge to win the championship for the first time in 19 years.

Former Flames assistant coach Young Chimodzi said Nigerians have the upper hand following an explosive performance in the knockout stages where they beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in the quarter-finals and walloped Mali 4-1 in the semi-finals.

“Their midfield is strong as they are able to mark and frustrate opponents’ attacks. They are also good at creating scoring opportunities. Burkina Faso are stubborn, but they will not stand the pressure,” said Chimodzi.

Escom United caretaker coach Alex Masanjala said Nigeria’s ability to hold the ball and control possession is a big plus for them.

“Burkina Faso are strong and willing to work as a group, but they will struggle to dictate play, which is vital in such games,” he said.

Malawi National Coaches Committee chairperson John Kaputa described the clash as a balanced affair.

“They are playing same type of football. They are both fast and play long balls behind defenders. So, it is for anyone to lose,” said Kaputa.

The Stallions may be underdogs considering that they are in the finals for the first time and face two-time champions who are in their eighth final.

Former Escom coach Dean Pinto pledged his support for the Burkinabes.

“They are strong and more experienced than Nigeria. The latter are young as their average age is 23 and I do not think they have what it takes to handle the pressure. They already played their finals against Ivory Coast, it is Burkina Faso’s time,” said Pinto.

Nigeria were last in the finals in 2000 when they co–hosted the tournament with Ghana. The Super Eagles lost to Cameroon on post-match penalties.

They last won the cup in 1994 when they beat Zambia 2-1 in Tunisia with current coach Stephen Keshi as captain.

Burkina Faso’s best record in the competition was reaching the semi-finals when they hosted the tournament in 1998.

Incidentally, the two teams were in the same group and met in their first match of Group C, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Burkina Faso went on to beat Ethiopia 4-0, which is the biggest score line so far at the tournament, before finishing the group phase with a 0-0 draw with Zambia.

Nigeria drew 1-1 with Zambia and needed two late penalties from Victor Moses to beat Ethiopia to reach quarter-finals.

South Africa-based Flames forward Esau Kanyenda, who plays for National First Division (NFD) side Polokwane City, tipped the scales in Nigeria’s favour.

“Of course, Burkina Faso have displayed strong character, but, honestly, I do not see them standing the heat against Nigeria, but anything can happen in football,” said Kanyenda.

Flames assistant coach Ernest Mtawali also predicted a win for Nigeria.

“Burkina Faso were dominant against Ghana, but I really do not see them causing an upset against Nigeria, but it should be an exciting final,” said Mtawali.

Burkina Faso will look up to France-based duo of Charles Kabore and Jonathan Pitropia and veteran Dagano for inspiration.

Malawi National Coaches Committee (MNCC) chairperson John Kaputa described the clash as a balanced affair while Former Escom coach Dean Pinto pledged his support for the Burkinabes.

“They are playing same type of football. They are both fast and play long balls behind defenders. So, it is for everyone to lose,” said Kaputa.

On his part Pinto said: “They are strong and more experienced than Nigeria. The latter are young as their average age is 23 and I do not think they have what it takes to handle the pressure. They already played their finals against Ivory Coast, it is Burkina Faso’s time.”

—Additional reporting by Garry Chirwa in South Africa, courtesy of Standard Bank and OG Plastics