After missing the final, Burkinabe and Cameroonians will face off this Saturday for a place on the podium of the 33rd edition of TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021.

It would be a repeat of the tournament opening game, when Cameroon won 2-1 at Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé on 9 January.

Coach Kamou Malo side hopes to finish the tournament on a good note, and finish in third place, like they did in their last appearance in Gabon 2017.

Burkina Faso will also seek revenge against the Indomitable Lions, who won the tournament’s opener 2-1 last month during the group stage.

The Burkinabe can celebrate an exceptional tournament by reaching the semifinals, but they remain unsatisfied as they were dreaming of a maiden AFCON trophy. But a place on the podium might be a consolation.

“It is true that we are disappointed following our elimination in the semifinals, but we have to prepare ourselves properly to play this match for third place in the best conditions. We have to remobilize now. We are physically and mentally ready for play our game,” coach Malo said.

Barely 48 hours after penalties’ heartbreak, the Indomitable Lions will have to regroup and try to give their faithful supporters something to cheer at.

“It’s difficult to live in such a situation but that’s football,” said Indomitable Lions goalkeeper André Onana. “We ask our supporters and all Cameroonians to stay around our young team. We have to go after our goals,” he added.