AFCON: Burkina Faso rally late to defeat Equatorial Guinea

Burkina Faso rallied from a goal down to beat Equatorial Guinea 2–1 in their Group E opening fixture at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Casablanca. Burkina Faso scored late to take maximum points off ten-man Equatorial Guinea.

The Stallions were the dominant force during the first half. The West Africans started the match on a bright note and veteran winger Bertrand Traore was the first to attempt a shot on goal in the third minute. Saul Coco was lucky not to score an own goal while the Stallions piled on pressure in the early stages. The match then became even, with scoring chances limited. Nzalang Nacional’s Jose Machin fired a shot from range for the only good attempt on goal for the Central Africans.

In the second half, Equatorial Guinea were reduced to ten men following a straight red card for Basilio Ndong in the 50th minute for a serious foul on Traore. Burkina Faso persisted with their attack in search of a goal and came close with an effort from Dango Ouattara in the 58th minute, but his strike was saved by Jesus Owono. Second-half substitute Lassina Traore thought he had scored the opener, but the goal was ruled offside after a VAR review.

Stephane Aziz Ki also forced a save from Owono seven minutes from time. Nonetheless, against all odds, Marvin Anieboh’s perfect header broke the deadlock in the 85th minute. Georgi Minoungou levelled matters deep into stoppage time before a header from Edmond Tapsoba helped the West Africans win the tie at the death.

The Stallions’ unbeaten run against Equatorial Guinea continued after the dramatic win. Burkina Faso will face 2019 champions Algeria on matchday two in Group E, while Equatorial Guinea face Sudan on December 28.