Burkina Faso locks horns with Tunisia in Garoua on Saturday evening, as the two teams search for a place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021.

Halfway towards the most prominent continental championship title, both Stallions and Carthage Eagles strive to move forward. The 2004 champions Tunisia hope for a second title in their history, while Burkina Faso is still dreaming of a first historical trophy, after finishing runner-up for the 2013 edition in South Africa.

Although they have never won the Africa Cup of Nations before, Burkina Faso is seen as one of the traditional teams in the tournament. The Stallions won third place in their last participation in Gabon 2017, then missed the last edition in Egypt 2019.

Burkina Faso will be armed with history against Tunisia, as this is the third time both teams face in the quarterfinals. The Burkinabe won the two previous matches, at home in 1998 and in Gabon 2017.

Having finished second in Group A, Burkina Faso needed a penalty shootout to overtake Gabon and reach the quarterfinals.

Burkina Faso coach Kamou Malo knows the importance of staying focused ahead of the game.

“The next match is qualifying for the semifinals, so it is very difficult. We have determination to continue the journey and feel the responsibility,” Malo said.

“Our players are young and have the enthusiasm to win and continue their way. Tunisia is a good and cohesive team, but our side is armed with spirit and determination.

“The game will not be played on paper, but on the field. We don’t think about the past, but the present is always more important. We have a young ambitious team, and we can write our present and future.”

Despite qualifying with one win and two defeats, and among the best third-placed teams in the group stage, Tunisia team rebounded to perform huge in the Round of 16 against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, achieving a precious victory that secured their place in the quarterfinals.

This time, the Carthage Eagles hope to continue the dream, and reach the semifinals for the second time in a row, after Tunisia finished fourth in its last participation in Egypt 2019.

The Tunisians rely on experiences of stars Youssef Msakni and Wahbi Khazri, hoping that those returning from absence will add new strength in a tough match.

Tunisia’s Assistant Coach Jalel Kadri says Burkina Faso are a strong opponent and will be treated with respect.

“Most of the teams that were candidates to play the quarterfinals are no longer here, and this indicates the strength of the competition. All the teams in the quarterfinals are on the same level,” insisted Kadri.

“The solidarity of the players and technical staff is what made us overcome the difficult circumstances and we do not have the luxury now to provide a level lower than the last match. We respect all the teams, and we will treat Burkina Faso as the strongest candidates for the title.

“We have to think with that mentality if we want to get far. We know that the match will be difficult in all aspects, but we will deal with it appropriately. I have confidence in all the players and each of them has a role in the game.”