AFCON 2013: Semi Final Preview – Burkina Faso vs Ghana

By Arinze Ude Ghana goes into the fourth consecutive semi-finals as favourites due to the perfect record they have against the Burkinabes; the Ghana Black Stars have won all three matches against the Stallions at African Cup of Nations. Burkina Faso march into their first semi-finals since 1998 when they hosted the competition, hoping to come out victorious at the second time of asking. Ghana faces an uphill task against a Burkina Faso side that boasts the best defensive record at the 2013 African Cup of Nations; the Stallions have conceded only once so far in the competition. Jonathan Pitroipa has been impressive for the Stallions and they would be hoping the Rennes star will be at his best against Asamoah Gyan and co. On paper, Ghana have been tipped to emerge victorious but Burkina Faso have an edge due to the fact that the venue for this West African derby is the poor Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit; the Stallions have played three matches on the sandy pitch so far, winning two and drawing one. Both teams have no new injury worry and the coaches have their full squads at their disposal.   Players to watch: Burkina Faso: Jonathan Pitroipa, Kabore and Dagano Ghana: Asamoah Gyan, Badu and K. Asamoah   POSSIBLE LINE UPS: Burkina Faso: (4-4-2) Soulama – H. Traore, Kone, Koulibally, Pananteguirui – Pitroipa, Rouamba, Kabore, Koffi – A. Traore, Dagano   Ghana: (4-2-3-1) Dauda – Paintsil, Vorsah, Boye, Afful – Annan, Badu – Adomah, Asamoah, Wakaso – Gyan   The match will be played on the much aligned Mbomela Stadium in Nelspruit and kick off is by 7:30pm (Nigerian Time).