LATE GOALS LIFTS BURKINA FASO PAST EQUATORIAL GUINEA

By Gyang Dakwo:

Burkina Faso pulled off a stunning late comeback to beat ten man Equatorial Guinea two one in their opening Group E match of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

The Stallions claimed all three points and moved to the top of Group E with three points, while Equatorial Guinea remain bottom of the group without a point. This came ahead of the other group match between Algeria and Sudan later on Wednesday.

The first half was closely fought and both teams showed energy and attacking intent. Chances were few and clear openings were hard to find, so the teams went into the break level after a lively but goalless 45 minutes.

Equatorial Guinea faced a major setback early in the second half when Basilio Ndong was sent off in the fiftieth minute after a VAR review for a rough challenge. This forced head coach Juan Micha to reshuffle his team and defend with fewer men. Burkina Faso thought they had taken the lead later on, but a goal by Lassina Traore in the 71st minute was ruled out after another VAR check.

Even with ten players, Equatorial Guinea struck first late in the game. Substitute Marvin Anieboh scored in the 85th minute when he headed in a fine delivery from Carlos Akapo, just three minutes after coming on.

Burkina Faso refused to give up and pushed forward as the game moved deep into stoppage time. Their pressure paid off when substitute Georgi Minongou scored the equaliser in the 95th minute. Moments later, Edmond Tapsoba completed the comeback with the winning goal in the 98th minute.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Burkina Faso players and fans, while Equatorial Guinea were left heartbroken after coming so close to a famous win.