Burkina Faso coach hoping to Put back time

A Burkina Faso victory in Sunday's final against Nigeria would prove a second straight Africa Cup of Nations fairytale - but Belgian coach Paul Put simply hopes it can mark his redemption back home.

For the 56-year-old may not have ventured into the African game were it not for the ban he received in Belgium following his implication in a match-fixing scandal.

Paul Put, Head Coach Burkina Faso

The former Lierse coach received a three-year ban from the Belgian FA (RBFA) following allegations the side had taken money from a Chinese betting syndicate to lose matches under his tenure in 2004-05.

 “Now everybody in Belgium is calling me - radio programmes, television programmes - but I'm still the same Paul Put as before ”

The man who has guided the rank outsiders to their first Nations Cup final says he was made a scapegoat by Belgian football for what was a widespread problem. He also claims he was acting under duress after being threatened by those leading the scam.

"I was threatened by the mafia," Put told reporters this week. "My child was not safe.

"Fixing games is a big word. The team at that moment had nothing. It was in a very bad condition. It was not by our will."

Nigeria in first Africa Cup of Nations final in 13 years

By Stephen Fottrell BBC Sport

Nigeria eased through to their first Africa Cup of Nations final in 13 years with a comfortable victory over Mali.

Defender Elderson Echiejile opened the scoring, heading home Victor Moses' cross, before Brown Ideye bundled past Mali keeper Mamadou Samassa.

The Super Eagles made it three with Emmanuel Emenike's shot deflecting in off Mali midfielder Momo Sissoko.

Substitute Ahmed Musa stroked home Nigeria's fourth, before Cheick Diarra grabbed a consolation for the Eagles.

Burkina Faso reached first Africa Cup of Nations final

By Ian Hughes BBC Sport

Burkina Faso reached their first Africa Cup of Nations final by beating Ghana on penalties in a dramatic and controversial semi-final in Nelspruit.

The Burkinabe were denied spot-kicks in normal time and in extra-time, when they also had a goal ruled out, and saw Jonathan Pitroipa harshly sent off.

Burkina Faso Team

Mubarak Wakaso put Ghana ahead in normal time with a debatable spot-kick, before Aristide Bance equalised.

Burkina Faso won the penalty shoot-out 3-2 to set up a meeting with Nigeria.

That Pitroipa - outstanding throughout the tournament - will not be a part of that showpiece match in Johannesburg will take some of the joy out of the victors' celebrations.