Burkina Faso and Ghana will need to get over their disappointment at missing out on getting to the end game at Afcon 2017 in Gabon and will now play in what many deem the losers final today at the Stade de Port-Gentil, in Port-Gentil.
However while a downgrade for most fans, both teams will be playing for pride and are keen on getting a medal before departure from central Africa.
Burkina Faso were beaten on penalties by Egypt on Wednesday after drawing 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes, while the Ghanaians were thumped 2-0 by Cameroon as the new look Indomitable Lions continued their remarkable run.
Burkina Faso
The Stallions were much the better team in their semi-final with Egypt and dominated almost throughout the game with energy, dynamism, but were also sadly bogged down by a lack of proper finishing.
At the end of the day, despite Aristide Bance's goal, the first conceded by Essam El Hadary in over 10 hours of AFCON football, while they should feel disappointed for not playing on Sunday, they should not hold their heads, as Africa and the rest of the world now know, that they are certainly a team of the future.
Key Players:
In addition to Aristide Bance named the neutral fans favourite player by supersport.com , Ghana will also have to watch out for Prejuce Nakoulma [below] The striker has scored twice at the tournament—only the Democratic Republic of Congo's Junior Kabananga has more with three—so he'll certainly be the tip of the spear for the Stallions.
Ghana
The Black Stars will also be disappointed as their 35-year wait for a fifth AFCON title continues. They were deservedly beaten by the spirited and positive Cameroon, and they will need to improve in all departments to claim the bronze.
There is no doubt that the Black Stars have the personnel to win the third-place play-off straightforwardly, but the key issue here will be motivation and Avram Grant must find away to get his team to play up to their potential, especially now that many back home are baying for blood and his head.
Key Players:
The brothers Ayew. Andre and Jordan , are still fighting to escape the shadow of their great father Abedi Pele, and angered by the loss in their sixth straight Afcon semi-final may just come out spitting fire right from the locker room. Christian Atsu too will be aiming to end a great tournament on a positive and winning note while Frank Acheampong [below] will be seeking to redeem himself from a sub par game against the Indomitable Lions.
Sadly history is not on the side of the Ghanaians who lost the third place game in both 2012 and 2013 and if the come out flat footed, certainly will again.
Head to head
03 Aug 1984 Burkina Faso v Ghana 0-2 Upper Volta Tournament
24 Nov 1984 Burkina Faso v Ghana 1-1 West Africa Nations Cup
27 Feb 1986 Ghana v Burkina Faso 2-0 West Africa Nations Cup
01 Mar 1986 Ghana v Burkina Faso 2-0 West Africa Nations Cup
25 May 1988 Burkina Faso v Ghana 3-0 International Friendly
27 Jul 1988 Burkina Faso v Ghana 3-1 International Friendly
30 May 1990 Burkina Faso v Ghana 1-0 International Friendly
14 Oct 1990 Ghana v Burkina Faso 2-0 Africa Cup of Nations
13 Jul 1991 Burkina Faso v Ghana 2-1 Africa Cup of Nations
30 Aug 1992 Ghana v Burkina Faso 3-0 Africa Cup of Nations
22 Dec 1996 Burkina Faso v Ghana 2-1 Solidarity Tournament
30 Jan 2002 Burkina Faso v Ghana 1-2 Africa Cup of Nations
05 Jun 2004 Burkina Faso v Ghana 1-0 FIFA World Cup
05 Jun 2005 Ghana v Burkina Faso 2-1 FIFA World Cup
19 Jan 2010 Burkina Faso v Ghana 0-1 Africa Cup of Nations
06 Feb 2013 Burkina Faso v Ghana 1-1 Africa Cup of Nations