Burkina Faso coach Paul Put insists that his players have every reason to feel proud, despite having missed out on the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title following defeat to Nigeria in Sunday's final.
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The Stallions had defied all the odds to book their place in the South Africa climax following victories over Ghana in the semi-finals and Togo in the last-eight, after having come through Group C undefeated.
However, Sunday Mba fired the Super Eagles to a 1-0 win and the continental crown at the National Stadium on Sunday, and although Put was disappointed not to have taken home the crown, he insists the Burkinabe players and countrymen have every reason to cheer.
"Perhaps we were tired in the final but I don't want to make excuses," Put told reporters. "I saw my team fighting to the last minute - I'm very proud and all Burkinabe can be proud of these players.
"We played a great tournament. No one was expecting us to achieve these results."
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso captain Charles Kabore highlighted his coach's views, adding: "We've had a great tournament and a massive experience to play in a final in a stadium like this.
"Nigeria proved a great team with strong mental ability. We have no regrets."
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