Burkina Faso had the stronger attacking numbers but Central African Republic’s defensive resistance kept the contest close in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
Burkina Faso enjoyed 52.5% possession compared with 47.5% for Central African Republic and registered 11 shots to their opponents’ eight. However, neither side was able to create a large number of clear chances, with Burkina Faso managing only two shots on target and Central African Republic one.
Burkina Faso also had a greater presence in the opposition penalty area, recording 29 touches inside the box compared with 17 for Central African Republic. Their goalkeeper made two saves, while the Central African Republic goalkeeper was called upon once.
The match was a physical contest, with Central African Republic committing 24 fouls and Burkina Faso 22. Both sides won 12 aerial duels, highlighting the even nature of the battle in the air.
Central African Republic had the advantage from corners, taking seven compared with Burkina Faso’s five, but the visitors were more effective in progressing the ball into dangerous areas.
Burkina Faso completed 315 passes with an accuracy of 73%, while Central African Republic made 294 passes at 65% accuracy.
The difference was even more noticeable in the final third. Burkina Faso completed 72 successful passes in that area, 30 more than Central African Republic’s 42.
Burkina Faso also delivered 23 crosses compared with 14 from Central African Republic, while their forward passing numbers were relatively close, with Burkina Faso recording 139 and Central African Republic 136.
Central African Republic attempted to make greater use of long balls, playing 70 compared with Burkina Faso’s 62.
The hosts were also more active defensively. Central African Republic made 19 tackles, compared with only eight by Burkina Faso, and had a tackle success rate of 57.9% against Burkina Faso’s 50%.
Central African Republic’s defensive workload was further reflected in their 45 clearances, well above Burkina Faso’s 28.
The Central African Republic were caught offside just once, while Burkina Faso were flagged five times.
Discipline remained an issue for both teams, although Central African Republic picked up two yellow cards compared with one for Burkina Faso.
Despite Central African Republic’s defensive effort, Burkina Faso’s greater possession, passing accuracy and presence in the final third gave them the statistical edge.
The result provides Burkina Faso with an important outcome in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, while Central African Republic will need to improve their attacking efficiency after managing only one shot on target.
