Edmond Tapsoba proved Burkina Faso’s hero with a decisive brace as the Stallions edged past a resilient Equatorial Guinea side in a pulsating Group E encounter that swung both ways before settling in the West Africans’ favour.
The match delivered entertainment and drama in equal measure, with both sides creating chances and demonstrating attacking ambition. Burkina Faso ultimately prevailed through superior quality in crucial moments, but Equatorial Guinea pushed them to the final whistle and will feel unfortunate to leave empty-handed.
Burkina Faso seized the initiative early, their attacking players causing immediate problems for Equatorial Guinea’s defence. The Stallions moved the ball quickly and intelligently, exploiting spaces and creating opportunities through well-rehearsed patterns of play.
Tapsoba opened the scoring with a powerful header, meeting a precise delivery to give Burkina Faso the perfect start. The Bayer Leverkusen defender timed his run perfectly, losing his marker before directing his header beyond goalkeeper Jesús Owono. It was a goal that showcased the aerial threat Burkina Faso possess from set-pieces.
Equatorial Guinea refused to be intimidated. Nzalang Nacional, as they are known, responded positively to falling behind, increasing their intensity and pushing forward with greater urgency. Their perseverance was rewarded when Iban Salvador capitalised on defensive uncertainty to restore parity.
The equaliser transformed the contest. What had appeared a comfortable afternoon for Burkina Faso suddenly became a tense, open encounter. Both sides created chances, with the match swinging from end to end as tired legs and fraying nerves created space for attackers.
Tapsoba emerged as Burkina Faso’s saviour for the second time, heading home another set-piece delivery to restore the Stallions’ advantage. His second goal was equally well-taken, demonstrating the composure and technique that has made him one of the Bundesliga’s most highly-rated defenders.
Equatorial Guinea pushed desperately for another equaliser in the closing stages. They threw bodies forward and created several half-chances, but Burkina Faso’s defence held firm under sustained pressure. The final whistle brought relief to the Stallions, who had been made to work harder than expected for their three points.
For manager Brama Traoré, the victory was crucial. Burkina Faso arrived at this tournament with realistic ambitions of progressing deep into the knockout stages. They reached the semi-finals in 2017 and have consistently performed creditably at recent editions, establishing themselves amongst Africa’s emerging forces.
The Stallions possess a talented squad featuring players competing across Europe’s major leagues. Tapsoba’s performances for Bayer Leverkusen have attracted admiring glances from bigger clubs, whilst Bertrand Traoré brings experience from the Premier League and Serie A. The blend of youth and experience creates a dangerous combination.
The teams set-piece prowess proved decisive. Both goals arrived from dead-ball situations, with Tapsoba’s brace establishing him as Faso’s hero for the day .
Equatorial Guinea will feel unfortunate not to claim at least a point. Nzalang Nacional competed admirably against opponents ranked considerably higher, creating chances and demonstrating the organisation that has characterised their recent improvement.
Manager Juan Micha can take encouragement from his team’s performance despite the defeat. Equatorial Guinea have become increasingly competitive at AFCON tournaments, reaching the semi-finals in 2015 when co-hosting the competition. They have never won the tournament but have consistently punched above their weight.
Equatorial Guinea face Sudan in their next fixture, a match that could prove crucial for their knockout-stage aspirations. Defeat would leave them needing results elsewhere to progress, whilst victory would keep their hopes alive heading into the final group match.
The Stallions have reached at least the quarter-finals in three of the last four editions, demonstrating remarkable consistency for a nation not traditionally considered amongst Africa’s powerhouses.
The match was played in front of a passionate crowd at Le Grand Stade Agadir, with both sets of supporters creating an excellent atmosphere. The stadium, opened in 2013, provides a superb venue for football and will host multiple fixtures throughout the tournament.
Match details
Burkina Faso: Koffi, Yago, Tapsoba, Dayo, Kabore, Touré, Guira, Sangaré, Traoré, Bande, Konaté
Equatorial Guinea: Owono, Ndong, Coco, Buyla, Salvador, Machin, Ganet, Balboa, Nlavo, Miranda, Nsue
Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
