The team which was seeking to end the over 30 years trophy drought on the continent was trampled upon by high-spirited Stallions which looked more composed and eager to get to the finals than the Ghanaians did, making the dream of victory an unrealistic one as far as the 2013 edition was concerned.
How could this dream have been possible if the likes of Bance and Pitroipa were marshalling the attack of the Stallions who remained a thorn in the flesh for the Ghanaian team from the first minute of the game through to the penalty kicks.
Though it looked like the Stars had run out of luck, the Burkinabe deserved more than that victory over Ghana with the telepathic play between the duo; Bance and Pitroipa and the rest of the squad for the night(6th Febrauary,2013).
The defeat was enough to silence a football nation like Ghana making national issues which had died as a result of the AFCON, resurfacing.
As bad losers as the Stars could be, playing for a third place compounded their defensive lapses and other problems with the team.
However, it was not surprising that the master tactician for the Super Eagles of Nigeria; Stephen Keshi, found a way of neutralizing the threats posed by Bance and co in the finals(10th February,2013).
The Super Eagles who had beaten one of the pre-tournament favourites; La Cote D’Ivoire(Ivory Coast) were in full flight on the night making it impossible for the Stallions from Burkina Faso to repeat what they did to Ghana in the Semi-Finals of the competition.
By the commitment and character shown by Burkina Faso, this team would be a very tough customer on any given day as far as football is concerned.
This should inspire other teams on the continent as they are preparing for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
CONGRATULATIONS TO NIGERIA FOR WINNING THIS EDITION OF AFCON!
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