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Soccer News of Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Source: GHP

Burkina Faso have nothing to lose, says Put

Burkina Faso coach Paul Put said the pressure is on Ghana, as his side has already exceeded expectations at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Put's men topped Group C ahead of Nigeria and Zambia before beating Togo to reach the last four of the tournament in South Africa.

Burkina Faso plays Ghana on Wednesday, with the winner to meet Mali or Nigeria in Sunday's final.

"When we left Ouagadougou they asked me to do better than other Africa Cup of Nations," Put said.

"That means with one victory our tournament was successful.

"But I said to the players we don't go to Nelspruit and prepare for one game.

"So I have also been giving the players the confidence, the belief in themselves.

"I think it's very important to be psychologically prepared to reach your target, but that was just to do better than the other Africa Cup of Nations by one.

"So by drawing against Nigeria and beating Ethiopia it was already party time in Ouagadougou.

"We did a little bit more than this so I'm very proud, very happy about this."

Burkina Faso are preparing for their fifth match at Nelspruit's Mbombela Stadium, where Ghana are yet to play.

"We are going to prepare for Ghana as we prepared for the other teams - Nigeria, Ethiopia, Togo and Zambia," Put said.

"We'll approach it with a lot of serenity and see what we can do.

"The players will feel like home. Fortunately we know the pitch so psychologically we will have an advantage against Ghana."