Burkina Faso's fans attach great importance to the bronze medal. The players and the technical staff of the Stallions cadets are also determined to beat Mali in the match for third place, this Thursday, May 18 in Annaba. A victory would confirm their excellent performance during this CAN U17 2023 and would strengthen their ambitions for the future.
The Stade du 19 Mai 1956 in Annaba hosts, this Thursday at 7 PM GMT, the match for the third place of the CAN U17 2023. It pits Burkina Faso and Mali. A match placed under the sign of revenge by the fans and players Burkinabe who had fallen flag in pool against Mali (1-0). But on what the two teams have given to see in semi-finals, it is difficult to give the right prediction.
Against the Senegalese, the U17 Stallions of Burkina Faso showed technique, game intelligence and determination. Unquestionably one of the teams that caught the eye of many people at this edition of the CAN U17, it would hardly be insulting to the African hierarchy to see Burkina Faso on the third step of the podium.
Setting the standard for revenge
Incredibly awkward against the Eagles of Mali in the group match, the Burkinabe want to get back on track. They need to be more skilful, more conquering against an opponent who is difficult to handle and has not conceded a single goal so far. Coach Brahima Traoré is keen to finish the tournament in style.
"The children are mobilized to finish well. Against Mali that we played at the beginning of the tournament, we have no revenge. We respect everyone. It's just an opportunity to seize," he said in a pre-game press conference. Even if the disappointment remains strong after the elimination in the semi-final against Senegal, Alio Souleymane promises bronze. "I missed the penalty against Senegal. As a competitor, it hurt. But I thank God in good and bad times. On Thursday, we will give everything to get this bronze medal, against this beautiful team of Mali to make the Burkinabe people happy. This is a final for us," he said.
Fans want bronze as consolation
The fans of Burkina Faso do not want to finish at the foot of the podium of the African Cup of Nations under 17 years, this Thursday in Annaba. As a rule, the teams participating in the small final are not very motivated by this consolation prize. "Everyone is aware that it's better to finish third than fourth," said Adama Yelemou. We had a good run," says Ratamalgré Nikiema. Nobody expected us to be there. When we arrived at this CAN, nobody expected us. We are among the last four. It is already a great performance.
"It is very important for the future not to end this CAN U17 with a defeat", warns Simplice Zongo. On his part, Maxime Tarboulga explains: "The third place is significant because it counts in a list of achievements. The last time our team reached the semi-finals was in 2011 and we won the competition. This time, I think it's been too long, but our team will return to the field with the firm intention of winning the bronze medal.
Aboudouye Galo concluded that "it will be an opportunity for our Stallions Cadets to prove that they have the head high and the ability to beat Mali. The Malians will not be able to beat us for the second time in the same competition. We are ready to win. Good luck to the Stallions".
Mali - Burkina Faso, is this Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the stadium of 19 May 1956 in Annaba, Algeria.
La médaille de bronze est à jouer🔥
Le Mali et Burkina Faso se rencontrent pour une place sur le podium🥉#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17pic.twitter.com/TJ1cossd1H
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 - FR (@caf_online_FR) May 18, 2023
