Sierra Leone 0-1 Burkina Faso Player Ratings: Zougrana Rated 8.15/10 as His First-Half Strike Secures Crucial Away Win 0-1

It was a tense and gritty affair at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, but Burkina Faso emerged with a vital 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone. This match was a classic case of taking your chances. From our perspective, the game was largely a midfield battle, defined by its physicality and a flurry of yellow cards. Neither side was willing to give an inch in this crucial CAF World Cup Qualifier.

The decisive moment arrived just before the halftime whistle. Mohamed Zougrana clinically finished a well-worked move, with captain Bertrand Traoré providing the assist. That single moment of quality was enough to separate the two teams. Sierra Leone huffed and puffed in the second half, but they just couldn't find a way to break down a resolute Stallions' defence.

What stood out to us was how well organized Burkina Faso were after taking the lead. They managed the game expertly, frustrating the home side and seeing out the result with professional determination. It wasn't always pretty, but it was incredibly effective, and it’s these kinds of results that build momentum in a qualifying campaign.

Here are the Sierra Leone Vs Burkina Faso Player Ratings

Sierra Leone Player Ratings vs Burkina Faso

Here are Sierra Leone Player Ratings vs Burkina Faso

Goalkeeper

Sesay - 5.5: Had very little to do for large spells of the game but was beaten by the one clear-cut chance Burkina Faso created. He couldn't be faulted entirely for the goal. But you always hope for a big save in those moments. It was a tough night for the keeper.

Defenders

A. Alpha - 6.0: Played the full match and was part of a defensive line that was breached just once. He made a few decent challenges. However, the overall communication seemed to be lacking at the crucial moment. A standard but ultimately insufficient performance from him.

Turay - 5.5: A difficult performance to judge. Like his partners, he was caught out for Zougrana's goal. He seemed to struggle with the movement of the opposition forwards at times. An evening he'll want to forget quickly.

Emmanuel Samadia - 6.0: He was solid for the most part, but the entire defensive unit switched off for the goal. We noticed he tried to get forward on occasion but his final ball was missing. He just couldn't inspire from the backline.

Juma Bah - 6.0: Put in a decent shift over the 90 minutes. He was physically present and won his share of duels. But like the rest of the defense, that single lapse in concentration proved fatal for his team's chances.

Midfielders

Abu Dumbuya - 5.5: A very quiet game from the midfielder, who was substituted after 69 minutes. He struggled to get a foothold in the game and was often bypassed. We expected more presence from him in the middle of the park.

Saidu Fofanah - 6.5: One of the few bright sparks for the home side. He worked tirelessly, trying to break up play and start attacks. His effort was commendable, but he lacked the support to make a real difference.

M. Kamara - 6.0: He ran hard for 90 minutes but fought a losing battle in midfield. He was tidy in possession but played it too safe, failing to provide the creative spark Sierra Leone desperately needed.

Forwards

Augustus Kargbo - 5.0: A frustrating night for the attacker. He picked up an early yellow card and never really settled into the game. From our perspective, he looked isolated and his decision-making in the final third was poor.

Kei Kamara - 5.5: The captain had a very subdued evening. He was well-marshalled by the Burkinabe defense and couldn't get into scoring positions. We were disappointed to see him subbed off having made little impact.

Sallieu Tarawallie - 5.5: Another attacker who was largely anonymous. He failed to test the goalkeeper and was hooked on 69 minutes. He just couldn't find a way to get involved in any meaningful way.

Substitutes

Samuel Gandi - N/A: Came on for Kei Kamara but couldn't change the game. John Sesay - N/A: Replaced Tarawallie but had little time to influence the proceedings. Alhassan Koroma - N/A: Brought on to add energy but the game was already set in its pattern. Mohamed Turay - N/A: A late introduction with no real opportunity.

Manager

M. Kallon - 5.0: His team lacked a clear attacking plan and looked toothless in the final third. The substitutions he made had no impact on the outcome. It was a disappointing tactical display for a home game of this magnitude.

Burkina Faso Player Ratings vs Sierra Leone

Here are Burkina Faso Player Ratings vs Sierra Leone

Goalkeeper

Kilian Nikièma - 7.0: A clean sheet is a goalkeeper's dream, and he earned it. He wasn't peppered with shots but showed great concentration. What stood out to us was his command of the penalty area on the few occasions he was tested. A confident display.

Defenders

Abdoul Ayinde - 6.0: A mixed bag of a performance. He was solid defensively for the most part but picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge. He was substituted on 74 minutes, likely to avoid a second booking. He did his job.

Issa Kaboré - 6.5: A typical all-action performance from the full-back. He defended diligently and also got a yellow card for his troubles. He was a constant outlet on the right flank and played the full, grueling 90 minutes.

Edmond Tapsoba - 8.0: Absolutely colossal at the back. He was the main reason Sierra Leone's attack looked so ineffective. Composed, strong in the tackle, and read the game beautifully. A truly commanding 90-minute performance.

Issoufou Dayo - 6.5: Another defender who ended up in the referee's book. Despite the yellow card, he was a pillar of strength alongside Tapsoba. He made some crucial interceptions and clearances, showing his experience throughout.

Midfielders

Mohamed Zougrana - 8.5: The undisputed man of the match. He scored the all-important goal with a calm finish. Beyond the goal, he was dynamic in midfield, breaking up play and driving his team forward. A fantastic performance that rightly earned him an early rest.

Ismahila Ouédraogo - 7.0: The unsung hero in the midfield. He did the dirty work that allowed others to shine. His work rate was immense, and he was crucial in protecting the back four before being substituted.

Ibrahim Blati Touré - 7.0: A very tidy and effective performance across the full 90 minutes. He kept possession ticking over, rarely gave the ball away, and provided a crucial link between defense and attack. An intelligent display.

Forwards

Dango Ouattara - 6.5: He was a livewire on the wing, always looking to take on his man. His final product was sometimes lacking, but his pace and directness caused problems for the opposition. A good shift before being subbed.

Bertrand Traoré - 7.5: The captain led by example. He showed his class with a perfectly weighted assist for the winning goal. His quality shone through in key moments, and he was a constant threat until he was substituted.

Mohamed Konaté - 6.5: He didn't get on the scoresheet, but his work rate was phenomenal. He chased down every ball, pressed the defenders relentlessly, and created space for his teammates. A selfless 90-minute performance for the team.

Substitutes

Mohamed Ouédraogo - N/A: Came on to shore up the midfield. Josué Tiendrébéogo - N/A: Helped see out the game. Georgi Minoungou - N/A: Added fresh legs in the attack. Pierre Landry Kabore - N/A: Replaced the captain and helped manage the final minutes. Saïdou Simporé - N/A: A late defensive substitution.

Manager

I. Balbone - 8.0: A tactical masterclass from the manager. He set his team up perfectly for an away game, keeping it tight and striking at the opportune moment. His game management and substitutions were spot on to secure the three points.

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