Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso Women WAFCON Preview
Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso begin their campaign at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a Group B clash on Monday.
The Ivorians have looked solid heading into the competition and will be confident of seeing off their rivals, who seem to be struggling at the moment.
Key Stats
- Ivory Coast are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Ivory Coast have won seven of their last nine matches in all competitions.
- Burkina Faso have failed to win their last seven matches in all competitions.
One Previous Meeting
The only previous meeting between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso was a friendly back in 2018, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Ivory Coast Showing Quality
Ivory Coast have only made two previous WAFCON appearances, the last of which came in 2014. The good news is that they finished third in that competition and will be targeting a repeat of that feat.
The Ivorians will head into their Group B opener off the back of a 1-0 victory over Mali in their final warm-up game. Grace Sery struck the only goal just before the break, and they were able to hold on for the win.
That result extends a recent good run for Ivory Coast, who are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions. They have picked up seven wins in this run, including an 8-0 victory over Mauritania.
Burkina Faso Not at Their Best
Burkina Faso are gearing up for only their second appearance at the WAFCON. Their first showing came in 2022, and they failed to make it beyond the group stage.
While Burkina Faso will be hoping for a much better performance this year, their recent form does not inspire much confidence. They are without a win in their last seven matches in all competitions, with five of those fixtures ending in draws.
Burkina Faso wrapped up their WAFCON preparations with a 2-2 draw with Mali back in June. They came from. Behind to lead at the break through Stephanie Zida and Judicaelle Ouoba but conceded an equaliser midway through the second half.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Ivory Coast (4-3-3): Ablan Gnamien; Mariam Diakite, Anastasie Gbehi, Matoba Cisse, Nina Kpaho; Rebecca Elloh, Grace Sery, Kakounan Amani; Habibou Ouedraogo, Ines Konan, Rosemonde Kouassi.
Ivory Coast have no injuries or suspensions heading into this clash, and captain Amani is expected to hold the fort in midfield. Konan should start in attack while Gbehi is set to feature at the back.
Burkina Faso (4-3-3): Faoziatou Ouedraogo; Numpoa Madina Traore, Madinatou Rouamba, Fadiratou Tarnagda, Dielawalea Sow; Felicite Kafando, Diamilatou Zongo, Rabiatou Koudougou; Moniratou Compaore, Rasmata Sawadogo, Balkissa Sawadogo.
Burkina Faso also have a fully fit squad heading into their WAFCON opener. Tarnagada is expected to feature at the heart of the defence while Sawadogo is set to start up front.