Burkina Faso, a team with a strong mid-table standing in African football, has shown significant progress in recent years, reflected in their 62nd position in the FIFA world rankings. Their squad boasts a stellar core. Bertrand Traoré, the attacking spearhead, is in excellent form, having contributed 4 goals and 2 assists in his last 5 matches, showcasing his crucial role in the team's attack through his wing play and creativity. The midfield engine, Bamba, offers both offensive and defensive capabilities, while Tapsoba, the Bundesliga defender from Bayer Leverkusen, anchors the defence with his aerial prowess and defensive anticipation. However, Burkina Faso faces a setback with the likely absence of injured centre-back Issa Kaboré, potentially exposing a weakness in their defensive line due to the inexperience of the replacement centre-backs. Equatorial Guinea relies heavily on teamwork, with the experience and leadership of La Liga veteran Salomón playing a vital role. The defence, led by Torino defender Saúl Coco, is known for its resilience. The sharp-shooting striker, Nsue, who has previously scored a brace in an Africa Cup of Nations match, is a key threat. However, Equatorial Guinea is hampered by injuries, with Nsue's ankle injury making his participation uncertain, and the suspension of key midfielder Angulo, significantly impacting the team's ability to transition between attack and defence. Equatorial Guinea's recent performances have been inconsistent, with only 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses in their last 5 matches. The question remains whether they can secure points against Burkina Faso.