Burkina Faso struck twice deep into stoppage time to snatch a 2-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea in Group E at the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
The Fennec Foxes of Algeria had the most comfortable win of the match as they walloped Sudan, while defending champions Ivory Coast narrowly pipped Mozambique.
Burkina Faso 2-1 Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Basilio Ndong was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Bertrand Traoré. Burkina Faso thought they had taken the lead through Lassina Traoré, but VAR ruled the substitute offside.
Against the run of play, Marvin Anieboh headed Equatorial Guinea in front in the 85th minute, moments after coming off the bench. Burkina Faso hit back in added time as Georgi Minoungou levelled in the fifth minute of stoppage time before Edmond Tapsoba nodded home the winner eight minutes after the 90.
Algeria 3-0 Sudan
In the day’s other Group E clash, Algeria thumped Sudan 3-0. Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring after just 82 seconds, the fastest goal of the tournament, and added a second after the hour mark. Sudan’s hopes faded when Salah Adel was sent off before halftime. Ibrahim Maza sealed the win late on.
Ivory Coast 1-0 Mozambique
In Group F, Ivory Coast laboured to a 1-0 win over Mozambique thanks to Amad Diallo’s composed finish from Franck Kessié’s header.
The champions dominated possession but were wasteful in front of goal.
Cameroon 1-0 Gabon
Cameroon also claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Gabon in the final match of the day.
Karl Etta Eyong’s early strike stood after a VAR review, while Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came off the bench but could not find an equaliser.
There would be no matches on Christmas Day, but activity resumes on Boxing Day with some enthralling battles, including hosts Morocco taking on the tournament’s dark horses, Mali.
Source: GNA
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