AFCON 2021: Burkina Faso defeats Tunisia to progress to semi-finals

By Matthew Eloyi

Burkina Faso surprised Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles with a lone goal on Saturday to go to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cameroon 2021 semi-finals.

Burkina Faso defeated Tunisia in the Stade Roumdé Adjia in Garoua, thanks to a goal by Dango Ouattara on the stroke of halftime.

On the stroke of halftime, Ouattara, who was sent off late in the game, scored to give Kamou Malo’s team the victory over Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles.

The Stallions started strongly at the Omnisports Roumde stadium in Garoua, despite the absence of their talisman and captain Bertrand Traore.

The Burkinabes dominated possession in the first half, with midfielders Steeve Yago and Ibrahim Toure pulling the strings.

Midway through the first half, Cyrille Bayala created the first chance of the hotly contested match when he found space on the left and shot straight at Tunisian goalkeeper Bechir Said.

On 26 minutes, Koffi dived to his left to save Wahbi Khazri’s powerful free kick, denying the Carthage Eagles.

In the midfield, the two teams continued to cancel each other out while attempting to break on the break.

When Jaziri rushed down Soumaila Ouattara, a defensive blunder in the Burkinabe box almost allowed him to score.

Dango shattered the tie with a deft finish off a quick counterattack. He was sent through on goal by Ibrahim Toure, who cut inside before blasting past Bechir.

After the break, the Tunisians resumed with renewed vigour in pursuit of an equalizer.

To retain the advantage, Kouakou Koffi made another outstanding stop on a set piece. Ali Maaloul, a substitute, volleyed a beautiful strike, but Koffi was equal to it.

Late in the game, goal scorer Dango was sent off after throwing an arm at a Tunisian defender, reducing the Stallions to ten men.

Burkina Faso advanced to the competition semifinals, where they will face the winner of the match between Senegal and Equatorial Guinea.