AFCON 2023: Burkina Faso secure narrow win over Mauritania; Bertrand Traore scores late winner
Burkina Faso leads AFCON 2023 Group D
Burkina Faso’s opening Africa Cup of Nations match against Mauritania ended in a close victory thanks to a penalty kick converted by Bertrand Traore in the 96th minute.
After Nouh Mohamed El Abd fouled Issa Kabore in the resulting penalty area, substitute Traore sent Mauritania custodian Babacar Niasse reeling. Just minutes separated Mauritania from only its third-ever point at the Afcon.
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Despite not playing at their best in Bouake, Burkina Faso has advanced to the semi-finals in three of the previous five Afcons.
It appeared as though Burkina Faso would lose their initial game, joining the likes of Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Algeria as favourites.
At a steamy Stade de la Paix, they produced multiple opportunities, with Adama Guira whistling a shot just over the bar in the first minute.
The Mauritania custodian Niasse also had to make two excellent late saves, one to tip a strong Traore effort past the crossbar and the other to thwart Stephane Aziz Ki’s attempt from a close angle.
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When Kabore of Luton fell down in the area outside the penalty area, Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed first signalled play to continue. However, he later changed his mind after being urged to examine the pitchside monitor by the visual assistant referee (VAR).
And Traore of Aston Villa, who was brilliant throughout the start, broke the impasse.
It was a cruel outcome for Mauritania, who are yet to win an Afcon.
They had enjoyed a better start when Aboubakary Koita’s first-half free kick was expertly tipped over the bar by Stallions custodian Herve Koffi.
And Mauritania failed to score what would have represented just the second goal they scored at the Afcon as Koffi made a superb diving block to deny Sidi Amar in the closing minutes of the game.
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