Burkina Faso reignited their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a resounding 4-2 victory over tournament debutants Central African Republic (CAR) on Tuesday at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.
After a sluggish start that saw them fall 2-0 to hosts Tanzania, coach Issa Balbon’s Stallions responded emphatically with a dominant second-half display, inspired by Patrick Malo and Abdoul Baguian.
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Papus Ouattara opened the scoring in the 11th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball from a corner.
However, CAR wasted no time making history, as Sydney Tchibinda curled in a spectacular free-kick just four minutes later, marking the nation’s first-ever CHAN goal.
The first half ended 1-1, but Burkina Faso took control after the break. A VAR-awarded penalty allowed Abdoul Abass Guiro to convert from the spot in the 57th minute, restoring the Stallions’ lead.
Despite CAR coming close through Dimitri Kogbeto’s strike that rattled the crossbar, Burkina Faso extended their advantage with another penalty in the 78th minute.
Captain Patrick Malo made no mistake, firing into the top corner. Six minutes later, Baguian added a fourth, finishing a sweeping move to put the game beyond reach.
CAR managed a stoppage-time consolation through Ange Zoumara, but Burkina Faso held firm to claim their first points of the tournament.
The victory lifts Burkina Faso to three points, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive ahead of their decisive final group match against Mauritania.
CAR, despite the defeat, showed flashes of potential in their CHAN debut and will face Madagascar next in a must-win clash to stay in contention.
Burkina Faso, semi-finalists in 2018, will look to build on this momentum as they push for another deep tournament run.
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