CHIPPA REJECT LIGHTS AFCON
AS HE stood from the substitutes’ bench for warm up, Aristide Bance was greeted with a cheer so loud it sounded like a goal had been scored inside the Stade de l’Amitié here on Saturday.
A few minutes later, a goal was indeed scored as Burkina Faso’s talisman turned the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) quarterfinal against Tunisia on its head, paving way for his country’s 2-0 victory and sending them to the semifinal.
This was the same Bance who had failed to make an impact at Chippa United last season, leaving the South African club with nothing memorable except for the alleged disagreement over pay.
On Saturday, as the Burkinabe dominated the quarterfinal but lacked firepower, Bance proved his worth. Three minutes after coming on, he opened the scoring on 80 minutes following a freekick and, as Tunisia pressed forward for an equaliser, it was his headed clearance that sent the Stallions on a breakaway second goal, scored by man of the match Prejuce Nakoulma.
Such a solid performance, in such a limited time on the park, ensured Bance was the talk of town long into the evening here, while also affording him a chance to have a dig at his doubters, who undoubtedly include Chippa United.
“I’ve picked up a lot of experience in my career,” said the blond-haired Bance, who was happy to accept questions in English but preferred to reply in French, telling us to find translation.
“I’ve had a career where some clubs have not played me, or paid me, but every time I come to the national team, I’m happy.”
That happiness was evident on Bance’s face as he took time to shake hands, pose for selfies and converse with almost every journalist as he made his way out of the stadium.
But he and Burkina Faso would be happier if they could go a step further than SA 2013, when they reached the Afcon Cup final.
The Burkinabe face Egypt or Morocco in Wednesday’s semifinal, while the other semi between Cameroon and Ghana is set for Thursday (both at 9pm, live on SuperSport 4).
“We have a great chance (to win the tournament) because we have a stronger team – a better one than in 2013. It’s a big opportunity for us,” said Bance, who now plays for Asec Mimosas in Ivory Coast.
The nomadic 32-year-old – he has played for 19 teams – wants to leave a mark on the Afcon and, if the Stallions lift the trophy come Sunday, expect Bance’s popularity to soar even further.