AFCON 2023: Burkina Faso contenders? Hubert Velud plays down expectations
Burkina Faso: Hubert Velud on his side's chances at AFCON 2023. In his view, the Stallions are not among the tournament favourites
Sport News Africa · Author profile ·
Listen to this story
Audio version in preparation · read aloud by your browser meanwhile
At AFCON 2021 in Cameroon, Burkina Faso finished 4th, losing the third-place play-off to the host nation. Five months before the next Africa Cup of Nations, this time in Ivory Coast, the Stallions will again be considered outsiders, as they chase a first star. Fans and other observers are getting carried away with their team. However, they will not hear that from Hubert Velud. The Burkina Faso coach is adamant. His side are not among the favourites, far from it. "...Win the AFCON? We have to be realistic. The balance of power is what it is. There are overwhelming favourites, we have to acknowledge that too. To win the AFCON, you have to move mountains, you have to unseat the big football nations who will be there ", he said at a press conference on Wednesday 23 August.
The Burkina Faso coach went further, highlighting the gap between his team and the continent's heavyweights. "We don't have the depth of Cameroon, Morocco or Egypt, who have 50 or more international-level players, but we will make the most of our strengths and work harder, and I know the players will be very motivated in preparation". However, Hubert Velud pointed to one advantage at AFCON 2023. It is being played in Ivory Coast, a neighbouring country. "But what can give us a lift is that it is being played in Ivory Coast, so the players will be hugely motivated ", he added.
Even though he refuses to put his team among the contenders for the title, Hubert Velud can count on a quality squad to give the big sides such as Senegal, Morocco and others a scare. Among them is the prospect Dango Ouattara of Bournemouth.
Read also: Burkina Faso: 4 August stadium, the reasons for the delay to the works