Malawi vs. Burkina Faso: AFCON Final Preview – Prediction, Team News, and Lineups
The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final is set to be a thrilling contest between two sides with contrasting footballing stories. Malawi, known for their resilient performances, faces Burkina Faso, a team on the rise, as both nations gear up for what could be a historic moment in their footballing history. With both teams playing some of their best football in recent memory, the stage is set for an exciting final that will crown the new AFCON champions. In this preview, we take a closer look at the teams, the key players, and what to expect from this eagerly anticipated showdown.
Malawi: Underdogs Looking to Make History
Malawi’s journey to the 2024 AFCON final has been nothing short of remarkable. The Flames, ranked outside the continent’s traditional footballing powers, have shown resilience and determination to reach their first-ever AFCON final. This is a team that has steadily improved under Romanian coach Mario Marinica and has earned respect for their gritty performances, disciplined defending, and occasional flair in attack.
Malawi’s campaign has been built around a strong defensive foundation, with a midfield that works tirelessly to break up opposition attacks and a forward line that is capable of scoring when it matters most. While the Flames may not have the star power of other teams in the tournament, they have shown that team unity and tactical discipline can take them far. The semifinals saw them shock Algeria, defeating the North Africans 2-1 in a thrilling encounter that demonstrated their fighting spirit.
Key Players for Malawi
- Gabadinho Mhango
Mhango is undoubtedly Malawi’s biggest attacking threat. The 31-year-old forward has been in scintillating form, scoring crucial goals in the tournament, including a brilliant brace against Algeria in the semifinals. His pace, movement, and clinical finishing make him a constant danger to opposing defenses. Burkina Faso’s defense will have to be on high alert to contain Mhango, who can exploit any space behind the defense. - Chimwemwe Idana
Idana has been one of the standout midfielders of the tournament. The 26-year-old playmaker is the engine of the team, dictating the tempo of matches and linking defense with attack. His composure on the ball and ability to pick out key passes are vital to Malawi’s offensive structure. In a high-stakes final, Idana’s vision and creativity will be key to unlocking Burkina Faso’s defense. - Charles Thom
Thom provides the much-needed steel in the midfield. Known for his tenacity, defensive awareness, and ability to win second balls, he’ll play a crucial role in protecting the backline. With Burkina Faso’s attacking midfielders and forwards pushing forward, Thom will be tasked with disrupting their flow and breaking up attacks.
Burkina Faso: Rising to Glory
Burkina Faso enters this final as one of Africa’s most consistent footballing nations in recent years. Having reached the 2013 AFCON final and finishing third in the 2017 edition, the Stallions have been knocking on the door of continental glory for some time. Under the guidance of coach Kamou Malo, Burkina Faso has evolved into a well-rounded, dynamic team, capable of dominating possession and striking on the counter.
The Stallions’ route to the final has been a testament to their solid defensive setup and clinical attack. They’ve shown they can grind out results, most notably in their 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they dispatched a dangerous Senegal team 1-0, showing maturity and tactical discipline. The Stallions have proven that they are not just reliant on one player but have a balanced squad, with key players across all positions.
Key Players for Burkina Faso
- Bertrand Traoré
The captain of the Stallions, Bertrand Traoré, is the heartbeat of the team. A versatile forward who can play both as a winger or as a central striker, Traoré has been involved in almost every aspect of Burkina Faso’s attacking play. His leadership, technical ability, and flair make him a player that can change the course of a game. With his knack for scoring crucial goals, Traoré will be a constant threat to Malawi’s defense. - Edmond Tapsoba
A player who plays a crucial role in both defense and attack, Tapsoba has been a standout performer in the tournament. The 24-year-old midfielder is known for his box-to-box work rate, excellent tackling, and ability to pick out passes that break through opposition lines. He is also a threat from set pieces, with his aerial ability making him dangerous in dead-ball situations. Tapsoba’s influence will be key in controlling the midfield battle against Malawi. - Hervé Koffi
Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper, Koffi, has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament. His shot-stopping ability, confidence under pressure, and leadership at the back have been pivotal to the Stallions’ success. With Malawi’s attackers in fine form, Koffi’s ability to keep a clean sheet will be crucial if Burkina Faso is to lift the trophy.
Tactics and Expected Lineups
Malawi will likely adopt a pragmatic approach in this final, continuing with their solid 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on maintaining defensive stability and hitting Burkina Faso on the counter. With a strong midfield and quick, direct wingers like Mhango, the Flames will look to exploit any gaps in Burkina Faso’s defense while keeping things tight at the back. Defenders like Limbikani Mzava and Peter Banda will be key in dealing with the aerial and physical threat of Burkina Faso’s attackers.
Burkina Faso, on the other hand, will look to dominate possession and apply pressure with their attacking options. Malo’s side is likely to play in a 4-3-3 formation, with Tapsoba and Traoré dictating the tempo from midfield and the wings. Burkina Faso’s full-backs, such as Issoufou Dayo and Mohamed Fofana, will push forward to provide width, while Koffi will be tasked with organizing the defense and dealing with any Malawian counters.
Prediction
This final is shaping up to be a tactical battle, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Malawi’s discipline and counter-attacking play will be tested against Burkina Faso’s possession-based approach and attacking threat. While Burkina Faso comes into the final as the favorite, Malawi’s spirit and determination cannot be underestimated.
Burkina Faso’s overall quality, depth, and experience in big tournaments should give them the edge, but Malawi has shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of causing upsets. If Malawi can remain solid defensively and take advantage of set pieces and counter-attacks, they could pull off a surprise.
Score Prediction:
Burkina Faso 2-1 Malawi
While Malawi will fight valiantly and make Burkina Faso work for every inch, the Stallions’ superior attacking options and defensive solidity should see them claim their second AFCON title. However, expect a closely contested match with plenty of drama, and potentially a late goal to settle the contest.
Team News and Lineups
Malawi (4-3-3 formation):
- Goalkeeper: Charles Swini
- Defenders: Limbikani Mzava (captain), Peter Banda, Richard Mbulu, Stanley Sanudi
- Midfielders: Charles Thom, Chimwemwe Idana, John Banda
- Forwards: Gabadinho Mhango, Francisco Madinga, Phiri Chikoti
Burkina Faso (4-3-3 formation):
- Goalkeeper: Hervé Koffi
- Defenders: Issoufou Dayo, Mohamed Fofana, Djibril Ouattara, Steeve Yago
- Midfielders: Edmond Tapsoba, Bertrand Traoré (captain), Alain Traoré
- Forwards: Ismahila Ouédraogo, Mohamed Ouattara, Rodrigue Kossi
Final Thoughts
This AFCON final has all the ingredients for a memorable encounter. Malawi’s historic achievement of reaching the final has captured the hearts of many, and their underdog story adds an emotional layer to this contest. Burkina Faso, however, is a team full of experience, quality, and ambition, and they will go into the match as the favorites. No matter who lifts the trophy at the end of this thrilling clash, both teams have already achieved something remarkable by making it this far, and football fans across Africa are in for a treat.
