African News

Put: Mbombela is our home

Put: Confident

Put: Confident

Burkina Faso coach Paul Put feels his side will benefit from playing their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on the much-maligned Mbombela Stadium pitch.

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The Stallions played all their group matches on the sandy surface before also beating Togo in their quarter-final match at the same venue.

Despite the pitch having come under fierce criticism, Put says his charges can use the conditions to their advantage.

Burkina Faso face Ghana in Wednesday's last-four tie, with Put admitting: "Even though the pitch is very bad it's our home stadium. Ghana is also a technical and physical team as well, but it's still an advantage for us as we are playing in a 'home' game.

"We have nothing to lose as no one expected us to play in the semi-finals."

He added: "So I told the players to be patient and stay well organised because with this pitch you never know. With one error they can kick your head off, so we have to be careful."

Put knows they face a tough test in facing the Black Stars, but is adamant they can secure their passage to the final, if they show respect for the tournament favourites.

"I'll keep them with both feet on the ground - I know Africa a little and if you let them fly it never ends," he said. "We respect Ghana. They are a great team and great players but one thing is sure ... We are playing in Nelspruit for the fifth game - so it's our home stadium now."

Posted: 05/02/13 07:46

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