BFA chief executive officer, Keith Masters confirmed the international friendly match."We will play Burkina Faso on Independence. It's going to be a big game - they are AFCON finalists," Masters told Mmegi Sport.While news of playing Burkina Faso will likely be pleasing, Zebras' coach will be more concerned about getting a practice match ahead of the World Cup tie against South Africa next month.After Group A leaders, Ethiopia, received a three-point deduction they no longer automatically qualify for the play-offs as Botswana and South Africa still have a chance of topping the group. The Zebras could proceed to the play-offs if they beat South Africa in Durban and Ethiopia loses to Central African Republic in the last round of qualifiers early next month.But the team was inactive last Wednesday while Bafana Bafana played Nigeria. Gordon Igesund's charges went on to play Burkina Faso over the weekend and won 2-0.
Masters said BFA are working around the clock to secure matches for the team.The association has dismissed reports that they waived a friendly proposal by Malawi on July 28. The Flames had wanted to play Zebras during the FIFA international friendly date.Masters said the Malawi issue was unfortunate and he is hopeful the team will play Libya in Morocco on August 28."We are trying desperately to get a friendly match. We wanted a friendly on Saturday and one on the following Wednesday. We met the minister last week to discuss issue," he said.Masters said the proposed game against Angola on Saturday was in doubt with indications that they have another international engagement on the day.
