Burkina Faso has revived its CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a dominant 4-2 victory over debutants Central African Republic (CAR) at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

After a sluggish start to the tournament, where they were defeated 2-0 by Tanzania, the Stallions, under coach Issa Balbon, responded emphatically. The result breathes new life into their Group B journey and keeps their hopes for a quarter-final spot alive.

The match started at a frantic pace, with Burkina Faso striking first in the 11th minute through Papus Ouattara, who slotted home from a corner kick. However, the lead was short-lived as CAR’s Sydney Tchibinda equalized just four minutes later with a stunning free-kick, a historic goal for the country in their first-ever CHAN match.

After a 1-1 scoreline at halftime, Burkina Faso came out with renewed intensity. A VAR review led to a penalty in the 57th minute, which Abdoul Abass Guiro calmly converted to restore their lead. CAR, despite showing flashes of promise and hitting the crossbar, were unable to find an equalizer.

Burkina Faso extended their lead with another penalty in the 78th minute, this time converted by captain Patrick Malo. Moments later, Abdoul Baguian got on the scoresheet himself, putting the game beyond doubt at 4-1. While CAR managed to grab a late consolation goal in stoppage time through Ange Zoumara, it was too little, too late.

The win lifts Burkina Faso to three points in Group B, keeping their qualification hopes alive as they head into their final group game against Mauritania.

For CAR, while the debut fairy tale will have to wait, they showed enough promise to suggest they will be a tough opponent for Madagascar in their must-win next fixture.