In the final round of Group A matches at the Total African Nations Championship, Burkina Faso take on Cameroon at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo on Sunday evening.
In what is a crucial showdown, both nations will be looking to secure a place in the quarter-finals, as they are separated by just one point at the top of the group.
Match preview
© Reuters
Following a slender 1-0 defeat against Mali in their opening game, Burkina Faso revived their quarter-final dreams with an emphatic victory over Zimbabwe on Wednesday.
Issouf Sosso, Claver Kiendrebeogo and substitute Issiaka Ouedraogo all found the target, as Seydou Zerbo's men strolled to a 3-1 victory.
The former Burkina Faso Under-17 boss was appointed head coach of the Stallion, and is on a mission to lead them to a first-ever CHAN quarter-finals appearance.
On the other hand, Cameroon, who are hosting the tournament, are currently topping Group A with four points from two matches.
The Indomitable Lions secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Zimbabwe on the opening day, before stumbling to a 1-1 draw with the Eagles of Mali on Wednesday.
Martin Ndtoungou Mpile will aim to take full advantage of the home crowd's support and return to winning ways, as they search for their first African Nation Championship success.
After a quarter-finals finish in 2011 and 2016, Cameroon crashed out in the group stages in 2018, when the tournament was hosted by Morocco.
The Indomitable Lions are unbeaten against Burkina Faso in their last seven meetings across all competitions, with four wins and three draws since a 1-0 friendly loss in May 2018.
Burkina Faso African Nations Championship form: LW
Burkina Faso form (all competitions): WWDWLW
Cameroon African Nations Championship form: WD
Cameroon form (all competitions): WDLLWD
Team News
Burkina Faso will be without the services of US des Forces Armees' full-back Rene Zoungrana, after suffering an injury last time out.
Besides that, Seydou Zerbo has a full strength squad to select from for this encounter.
Issiaka Ouedraogo will push for a start following an impressive outing off the bench against Zimbabwe, where he found the net barely 10 minutes after coming on.
On the other hand, Cameroon have a relatively clean bill of health, with Karl Ndedi the only guaranteed absentee, after he was hooked off in the first half against Mali.
Captain Jacques Zoua and Bryan Soga were dropped to the bench against Mali, but they could make a return to the starting XI on Sunday.
Burkina Faso possible starting lineup:
Sawadogo; Sana, Nikiema, Ouattara, Sosso; Hien, Ouedraogo; Dah, Belem, Kiendrebeogo; Ouattara
Cameroon possible starting lineup:
Kerrido; Mamoudou, Banga, Matanda, Andoulo; Oukine, Tchuente; Etong, Zoua, Assomo; Soga
We say: Burkina Faso 1-2 Cameroon
With both nations being evenly matched on paper, a tight affair is expected on Sunday, however, Cameroon have a slight edge over Les Etalons due to their home advantage, and they should be able to steal this one at the end of 90 minutes.
