Burkina Faso secures late victory over Mauritania in AFCON opener
17th January 2024
Burkina Faso secured a late victory against Mauritania in the opening game of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023.
Mauritania, still seeking their first Africa Cup of Nations win, displayed a solid performance in the first half, creating decent chances.
Burkina Faso's goalkeeper, Havre Koffi, made crucial saves when needed to keep the Stallions in the game.
In a strategic move, Bertrand Traore came on for Cedric Badolo to bolster Burkina Faso's attacking threats.
Traore nearly scored the opener with a curled shot from the penalty box, but Babacar Niasse denied him.
The breakthrough came in the closing stages of the game when Issa Kabore was brought down in the box. After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded to Burkina Faso.
Substitute Bertrand Traore stepped up and converted, securing all three points for Burkina Faso and setting their tournament on course.
Burkina Faso will face Algeria in their next game on January 20.