Traore calls for cool heads

Alain Traore has urged his Burkina Faso team-mates to not get too carried away following the country's first-ever appearance in an Africa Cup of Nations final. The Stallions made history by booking their place in the 2013 showpiece climax after seeing off Ghana in the semi-final, although they eventually lost 1-0 to pre-tournament favourites Nigeria at the National Stadium on Sunday. Despite that result the Burkinabe have received plenty of plaudits from the African footballing community, having also come through Group D undefeated following matches against the Super Eagles, 2012 champions Zambia and Ethiopia. However, Traore, who missed the final through injury, warned against complacency following their feat in South Africa. "Difficult times are ahead of us. Now everyone is going to be wary and a lot of people are going to wait for a chance to get even with us," he told Backpage TXT. "We must carry on in that direction and remain cool-headed. I was not on the field for the final but I had to give them my support. We must take it easy and try to move forward all together."