AFCON 2023: Burkina Faso qualify for the round of 16 without playing their third match

The Stallions of Burkina Faso have qualified for the last 16 of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) even before they have played their third group match against the Palancas Negras of Angola on Tuesday.

This advance in the competition stems from the results of the matches in pools A and B, placing Burkina Faso in a favourable position regardless of the result of their final group match.

Even if they lose to the Angolans, the Burkina Faso team could still qualify as one of the 4 best third-placed teams in the group phase.

In Group A, Côte d’Ivoire, ranked 3rd, have 3 points, while in Group B, Ghana, ranked 3rd, have 2 points.

These results put Burkina Faso at the top of the table with 4 points, securing their place among the 4 best teams in the competition.

With the four best teams expected to emerge from the four remaining pools, Burkina Faso is solidly positioned with 4 points.

This demonstrates their remarkable performance in this edition of the CAN. This early qualification testifies to the determination and skill of the Stallions, and augurs well for the exciting encounters to come in the knockout stages of the competition.