Burkina Faso opened their AFCON 2025 Group E campaign with a dramatic late victory over Equatorial Guinea in Casablanca, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal all three points after a tense contest.
The Stallions were the better side in the first half but lacked precision in the final third, with neither team managing a shot on target before the break. Bertrand Traore provided early promise in the fourth minute, drifting past defenders before dragging his effort wide, while Yoane Ouattara went close shortly before half-time but was denied after a heavy touch allowed Coco to recover.
The first genuine effort on target arrived in the 47th minute when Traore found space in the box but fired straight at goalkeeper Jesús Owono. Moments later came a major turning point as Basilio Ndong received the first red card of the tournament for a clumsy challenge, leaving Equatorial Guinea with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Nzalang Nacional continued to threaten, and the breakthrough arrived five minutes from time. Marvin Anieboh rose highest from a corner to power a superb header into the top corner, leaving the Burkina Faso defence stunned.
Burkina Faso thought they had opened the scoring earlier when substitute Lassina Traore volleyed home seconds after coming on, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside. But the Stallions kept pushing and finally levelled in added time. A long throw created chaos in the area, and although Ouattara appeared to be fouled in the build-up, the ball broke kindly for Georgi Minoungou, who swept it into the net.
With Equatorial Guinea visibly exhausted, Burkina Faso piled on the pressure and completed the turnaround in the 98th minute. A cross from the right was not dealt with by Owono, and Edmond Tapsoba rose to head home the winner, sparking jubilant celebrations as Equatorial Guinea were left distraught.
The result means Burkina Faso maintain their strong AFCON pedigree, having now made nine of the last ten tournaments. It was also the first time they had conceded against Equatorial Guinea, having kept clean sheets in all previous meetings.
Burkina Faso will face Algeria next on December 28, while Equatorial Guinea turn their attention to Sudan as they look to respond from a heartbreaking defeat.
