Africa Cup of Nations 2013: Burkina Faso boss Put turns focus to Zambia
Africa Cup of Nations 2013: Burkina Faso manager Paul Put says the focus is now on Zambia after moving to the top of Group C
Paul Put says that his free-scoring Burkina Faso side must remain grounded despite all but sealing their passage to the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.
An Alain Traore double and strikes from Djakaridja Kone and Jonathan Pitroipa ended Burkina Faso’s 15-year wait for an Afcon finals win, thrashing Ethiopia 4-0 in Group C.
But despite their free-flowing football, and being down to 10 men, Put is also keen for the Stallions to remain focused for their final group game against defending champions Zambia.
“We are closer to qualifying, but we have to keep our feet on the ground,” said the Burkina Faso manager. “When we scored our first goal, it acted as a release.
“We played freely and with 10 players against 11, we did very well. This is great for our confidence. Everyone wanted to prove something.”
Ethiopia manager Sewnet Bishaw was left shell-shocked by the heavy defeat, but believes his side still have a chance to reach the knock-out stages.
“We were not expecting this result, but anything can happen in football, and I believe we still have a chance of qualifying,” he said.
