BURKINA Faso are fancied to make it through to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals from a tough group that includes Nigeria, Zambia and Ethiopia.
They need just a pont against defending champions Zambia in today's final group game to progress. Should they succeed it will be the second time they make it beyond the group stages in eight Afcon appearances.
The Burkinabe remain the only side in Group C to have secured a win so far.
Anything less than a win for Chipolopolo could spell the end of the road for the defending champs.
If any team could cause such a catastrophe for Herve Renard's side, it is the Stallions.
If Zambia exit, they will be the first defending champions since Algeria in 1992 to be knocked out in the first round.
"We have our chance and destiny is in our own hands," Renard said. "I think we are still capable of qualifying for the quarterfinals."
Influential South African-based goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, who has saved penalties for Zambia in both their previous matches against Ethiopia and Nigeria, and scored a penalty against the latter, remained optimistic.
"We still have hope . we can't give up. We have to fight, we are the champions after all. It won't be easy, but we can still qualify for the quarters," he said.
Following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Ethiopia in their last game, which placed them at the top of the group standings, Burkina Faso may have turned the corner.
The victory ended an 18-match winless streak, and restored some of their confidence.
Belgian-born coach Paul Put said: "We will be ready for Zambia and we are committed and united in our cause to qualify.
"We are close to qualification, but we have to keep our feet on the ground."
Talismanic midfielder Alan Traore will be a key player for Put.
The last time the Stallions progressed beyond the first round of the tournament was when they finished fourth on home soil in 1998 under the tutelage of former Bafana Bafana coach Philippe Troussier.
Burkinabe in the pound seat
BURKINA Faso are fancied to make it through to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals from a tough group that includes Nigeria, Zambia and Ethiopia.
They need just a pont against defending champions Zambia in today's final group game to progress. Should they succeed it will be the second time they make it beyond the group stages in eight Afcon appearances.
The Burkinabe remain the only side in Group C to have secured a win so far.
Anything less than a win for Chipolopolo could spell the end of the road for the defending champs.
If any team could cause such a catastrophe for Herve Renard's side, it is the Stallions.
If Zambia exit, they will be the first defending champions since Algeria in 1992 to be knocked out in the first round.
"We have our chance and destiny is in our own hands," Renard said. "I think we are still capable of qualifying for the quarterfinals."
Influential South African-based goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, who has saved penalties for Zambia in both their previous matches against Ethiopia and Nigeria, and scored a penalty against the latter, remained optimistic.
"We still have hope . we can't give up. We have to fight, we are the champions after all. It won't be easy, but we can still qualify for the quarters," he said.
Following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Ethiopia in their last game, which placed them at the top of the group standings, Burkina Faso may have turned the corner.
The victory ended an 18-match winless streak, and restored some of their confidence.
Belgian-born coach Paul Put said: "We will be ready for Zambia and we are committed and united in our cause to qualify.
"We are close to qualification, but we have to keep our feet on the ground."
Talismanic midfielder Alan Traore will be a key player for Put.
The last time the Stallions progressed beyond the first round of the tournament was when they finished fourth on home soil in 1998 under the tutelage of former Bafana Bafana coach Philippe Troussier.
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