CAN 2017: Alain Traoré, “we have to go for qualification”

CAN 2017 – Burkina Faso’s Alain Traoré Confident Despite Second Draw Against Gabon

Burkina Faso registered their second consecutive draw at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after holding host nation Gabon to a 1-1 result on Wednesday evening in Libreville. The Stallions, who had also drawn their opening match against Cameroon by the same scoreline, now sit on two points and will need a victory in their final Group A encounter against Guinea-Bissau to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Despite the pressure mounting, Burkinabe midfielder Alain Traoré remains optimistic about his team’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage. Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, the Karabükspor playmaker praised the team’s collective spirit and the quality of their performances so far.

“We have to go for qualification against Guinea-Bissau, but I think that up to now we have played some great matches — whether it was against Cameroon or against Gabon,” said Traoré. “The Panthers were the ones chasing the score today. We have to continue in the same way and stay focused.”

Against Gabon, Burkina Faso showed resilience and discipline, opening the scoring in the 22nd minute through substitute Préjuce Nakoulma, who replaced the injured Jonathan Pitroipa. However, Gabon’s star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalized from the penalty spot in the 38th minute to rescue a point for the hosts. The draw leaves Group A finely balanced, with all four teams still in contention for a place in the quarter-finals heading into the final round of matches.

Traoré, one of the most experienced players in Paulo Duarte’s squad, emphasized the importance of recovery and preparation ahead of their decisive clash with Guinea-Bissau, the surprise package of the tournament. The AFCON debutants stunned observers in their opening match by holding Gabon to a 1-1 draw and have already earned widespread respect for their fighting spirit and determination.

“We’ll be playing again in four days, so it’s important to rest well and stay serious, just as we have been in the last two matches,” Traoré continued. “Guinea-Bissau is a courageous team that fights with their weapons. We’ll see what they do against Cameroon, but whatever happens, we must be ready. If they get a good result, they’ll be even more motivated against us. It’s up to us to prepare properly and give everything on the pitch.”

Burkina Faso, who reached the AFCON final in 2013, are eager to relive those glorious moments and prove that their success was no coincidence. Under Duarte’s leadership, the team has shown improvement in structure and mental strength, even in the face of injury setbacks. The potential absences of key players such as Pitroipa could prove costly, but Traoré remains confident in the depth and unity of the squad.

“We’ve shown that we can compete with any team,” the midfielder concluded. “If we keep playing with the same determination and collective spirit, qualification is within our reach.”

The Stallions’ final group match against Guinea-Bissau promises to be decisive not only for Burkina Faso’s ambitions but also for the overall balance of Group A. With Gabon and Cameroon also fighting for survival, the final day of the group stage is shaping up to be one of the most intense in the 2017 African Cup of Nations.