Sports
Late Penalty Secures Historic Win for Burkina Faso in Africa Cup of Nations Opener
Burkina Faso made history on Tuesday as they clinched their first-ever opening match victory in the Africa Cup of Nations. Bertrand Traore, the Aston Villa midfielder, scored a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mauritania at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.
Burkina Faso, runners-up in the 2013 AFCON, dominated the possession but it was Mauritania who had better chances throughout the game. However, Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi displayed excellent reflexes to deny Mauritania’s efforts. The Burkinabe team had to wait until the 96th minute for their breakthrough.
The winning penalty was awarded when Mauritania captain Mohamed El Abd committed a foul on Issa Kabore inside the box. After a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention, referee Jalal Jayed correctly pointed to the spot. Bertrand Traore confidently converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
This victory puts Burkina Faso on top of Group D with three points after the first round of matches. Algeria, one of the tournament favorites, surprisingly drew 1-1 with Angola the day before.
Mauritania, appearing in their third consecutive Cup of Nations, fought courageously throughout the game but were unable to capitalize on their chances. They have now gone seven games without a win in the tournament.
Notably, Burkina Faso has scored in their last 15 Cup of Nations matches, which is the longest active streak after Egypt’s incredible run of finding the net in 27 consecutive matches between 1957 and 1980.
Injury struck for Mauritania midway through the first half as former Fulham striker Aboubakar Kamara had to leave the field. Despite the setback, they continued to create opportunities but were thwarted by Koffi’s heroics in goal.
Burkina Faso will face Algeria, the reigning champions, in their next Group D encounter on Saturday at the same venue. Mauritania, on the other hand, will be searching for their first-ever victory in the tournament when they take on Angola.
