BOUAKE, Ivory Coast – A last-gasp penalty by substitute Bertrand Traore gave Burkina Faso a dramatic 1-0 victory over Mauritania in the teams’ opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
The tense Group D encounter at Stade de Bouaké was scoreless until the 96th minute when Burkina Faso was awarded a penalty after video review.
The two sides battled under the hot sun in a mostly back-and-forth affair. Burkina Faso controlled possession for longer stretches but struggled to break down Mauritania’s organized defense.
Chances were scarce with both keepers rarely tested. The Burkinabé side came closest in the 67th minute when a powerful header by Steeve Yago off a corner kick rattled the crossbar.
As the match headed toward a goalless draw, Burkina Faso mounted one final push deep into added time, and it paid off. Winger Issa Kabore slalomed his way into the box where he and defender Nouh Abd El collided, with Kabore going to ground.
After a lengthy video review, the referee ultimately pointed to the spot. Aston Villa substitute Traore then coolly converted the penalty by sending the keeper the wrong way.
The goal set off wild celebrations by the Burkinabé players and coaches. Meanwhile, the devastated Mauritanians dropped to the pitch as their AFCON dreams were deferred.
The huge victory puts Burkina Faso atop Group D, setting up a monumental clash with Algeria on Saturday. Mauritania still seek their first AFCON point ahead of their next match versus Angola.
