Nigeria to take on Burkina Faso for Africa Cup
Source: Agencies |
February 8, 2013, Friday
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Print Edition
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NIGERIA closed in on its first title in nearly two decades by easily advancing to the African Cup of Nations final on Wednesday, setting up a matchup with a surprising Burkina Faso team looking to lift the trophy for the first time.
Nigeria cruised to a 4-1 victory over Mali in Durban to reach the final for the first time in more than a decade, while Burkina Faso needed extra time and a penalty shootout to get past favorite Ghana in Nelspruit.
Burkina Faso won 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation, making it to the final for the first time.
"Surprises are always there," Burkina Faso coach Paul Put said. "Maybe this time is our time."
Seeking its third title, Nigeria is considered the favorite heading into Sunday's final in Johannesburg, where it will be hoping to return to its glory days of the 1990s. The team led by Chelsea duo John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses last won the African Cup in 1994.
The Super Eagles looked impressive in their victory against Mali, finding no difficulties to get past the team led by former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita. The remarkable performance came just three days after it had outplayed Ivory Coast's star-filled squad in the quarterfinals.
Nigeria cruised to a 4-1 victory over Mali in Durban to reach the final for the first time in more than a decade, while Burkina Faso needed extra time and a penalty shootout to get past favorite Ghana in Nelspruit.
Burkina Faso won 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation, making it to the final for the first time.
"Surprises are always there," Burkina Faso coach Paul Put said. "Maybe this time is our time."
Seeking its third title, Nigeria is considered the favorite heading into Sunday's final in Johannesburg, where it will be hoping to return to its glory days of the 1990s. The team led by Chelsea duo John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses last won the African Cup in 1994.
The Super Eagles looked impressive in their victory against Mali, finding no difficulties to get past the team led by former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita. The remarkable performance came just three days after it had outplayed Ivory Coast's star-filled squad in the quarterfinals.
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