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Burkina Faso leave it late to beat Mauritania
Burkina Faso's forward Bertrand Traore (left) celebrates scoring his team's first goal from a penalty kick during their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2024 Group 'D' match against Mauritania at Stade de la Paix in Bouake on January 16, 2024.
What you need to know:
- The match in Bouake was all set to finish in a goalless stalemate until Issa Kabore went down in the box under a challenge from Mauritania defender Nouh El Abd four minutes into stoppage time
- The result means the Stallions, runners-up at the 2013 Afcon, are top of Group D after rivals Algeria and Angola drew 1-1 on Monday
Bouaké, Ivory Coast
Bertrand Traore came off the bench to score a 96th-minute winner from the penalty spot as Burkina Faso beat Mauritania 1-0 in their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
The match in Bouake was all set to finish in a goalless stalemate until Issa Kabore went down in the box under a challenge from Mauritania defender Nouh El Abd four minutes into stoppage time.
Called across to review the tackle on the pitch side monitor, the Moroccan referee decided to give a spot-kick and Traore, who has made just six appearances for Aston Villa this season off the bench, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Match stats between Burkina Faso and Mauritania. SofaScore.com
The result means the Stallions, runners-up at the 2013 Afcon, are top of Group D after rivals Algeria and Angola drew 1-1 on Monday.
Burkina Faso's next outing is against Algeria in Bouake on Saturday.
Appearing at their third consecutive Cup of Nations, Mauritania are still without a win at the tournament in seven attempts.