The Group B match will be played at the Charles Konan Banny (CKB) Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, with kick-off at 18:00 GMT.

Ghana go into the game looking to recover from their 4-2 defeat by defending champions Nigeria on Monday. While the result left Maxwell Konadu’s side needing a positive result against Burkina Faso, there were encouraging signs in Ghana’s performance, particularly after the break.

The Black Satellites showed attacking intent and scored twice against Nigeria, while also demonstrating resilience despite falling behind. Konadu will now expect his players to carry those positive elements into what could prove to be a decisive fixture in their group campaign.

Burkina Faso, however, will provide a difficult challenge.

The Young Stallions began their tournament with a 3-1 victory over Togo, giving them confidence ahead of their meeting with Ghana. Their physical approach, intensity and tactical discipline are expected to test the Black Satellites throughout the contest.

For Ghana, the equation is straightforward: victory would revive their hopes of progressing and put qualification for the knockout stage back in their own hands before their final Group B match against Togo.

A failure to win would make their route to the next round considerably more difficult.

Konadu has used the preparations for Thursday’s match to address some of the weaknesses exposed by the loss to Nigeria. Defensive organisation has been among the main areas of focus, alongside concentration and the team’s ability to move effectively between defence and attack.

The Ghana coach and his technical staff are also keen to ensure that improvements at the back do not come at the expense of the attacking qualities shown against the Flying Eagles.

The two goals against Nigeria demonstrated that Ghana can cause problems in the final third, particularly when they play with greater attacking freedom. Maintaining that threat while becoming more disciplined defensively will be central to their approach against Burkina Faso.

Ghana have also been handed a boost ahead of the match with Abdul Latif Zakiu and Benjamin Tsivanyo both recovering from minor injuries.

Their availability gives Konadu more options when deciding his starting XI and could prove useful as Ghana seek to respond to their opening defeat.

The match carries significance beyond the immediate Group B standings.

Ghana have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations because they will host the tournament. As a result, their participation in the WAFU B competition is not about securing a place at next year’s continental tournament.

Instead, the championship provides the Black Satellites with an opportunity to gain competitive experience against some of the region’s leading young players.

It also gives Konadu and his coaching staff the chance to assess the squad, improve understanding between the players and develop the team’s cohesion ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

But those longer-term objectives will take a back seat when Ghana face Burkina Faso.

With their knockout-stage hopes at stake, the Black Satellites will know that a strong performance and, most importantly, three points are needed to keep their campaign on course.

Burkina Faso’s impressive opening victory means Ghana face an opponent who will arrive with confidence, setting up a potentially intense contest between two neighbouring West African football nations.

For Konadu’s side, Thursday’s encounter represents an opportunity to turn the disappointment of the Nigeria defeat into renewed momentum and give themselves a stronger position heading into their final group fixture against Togo.