How Burkina Faso coach Duarte plotted Tunisia exit
THE plan worked like a charm for Paulo Duarte. The Burkina Faso coach knew his team had had an extra day’s rest and, as they faced Tunisia in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal, the energy levels were clearly different.
A wearied Tunisia succumbed to a 2-0 beating by the Burkinabe in Libreville, having been restricted to half-chances and no shot on target in the second half.
“It’s true we had an extra day,” Duarte said at the post-match presser inside the Stade de I’Amitie. “So we had to make sure that we make them tired. We started with [Prejuce] Nakoulma, knowing that he has the pace and would make their defence work. When [Aristide] Bance came in, they [Tunisia] were finished.”
Bance and Nakoulma were on target as the Stallions march on to the semis.
Starving Tunisia of possession limited the service to forward Youseff Msakni, their dangerous striker who was dealt with coolly by Bakary Kone. Duarte’s plan also included pressing key defender Ayem Abdennour into an early yellow card.
“The number three [Abdennour] is their most important defender. He’s very good, but we knew that once he got booked, he would not commit into tackles,” Duarte said.
Abdennour was cautioned after 22 minutes and retreated into a shell, enabling the Burkinabe to surge forward with more assurance. But it was not until after the introduction of Bance that the Stallions seized their chance.
“We took full advantage in midfield once Tunisia were tired. I dedicate this win to all our people because this team has stayed the same for four years,” Duarte said as his team looked forward to Wednesday’s semifinal.
Tunisia again fell short in , their bid to add to the lone Afcon title they won as hosts in 2004.
“We didn’t show our usual qualities, no aggression in our play,” said Henryk Kasperczak , Tunisia’s Polish coach. “When the match was 0-0 we had hope but the Burkina Faso coach [Duarte] was very clever. He made changes and when a player comes in and scores immediately, you know the tactics were spot on. Congratulations to them.”