Courtesy photo

Burkina Faso reignited their CHAN 2024 campaign with a thrilling 4-2 win over debutants Central African Republic (CAR) at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

After a slow start and a 2-0 loss to Tanzania, the Stallions responded with a dominant second-half display. Two penalties and standout performances from Patrick Malo and Abdoul Baguian sealed the comeback win.

Papus Ouattara opened the scoring early, but CAR answered swiftly with a historic free-kick from Sydney Tchibinda their first-ever CHAN goal.

A VAR-reviewed penalty allowed Abdoul Abass Guiro to restore Burkina Faso’s lead after the break. Malo then added another from the spot before Baguian capped off a brilliant team move. Ange Zoumara grabbed a late consolation for CAR.

The victory puts Burkina Faso on three points in Group B, keeping quarter-final hopes alive. CAR, despite the loss, showed flashes of promise and will seek redemption against Madagascar next.