Burkina Faso pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks of the tournament, scoring twice in added time to defeat Equatorial Guinea 2–1 in a pulsating Africa Cup of Nations encounter at Stade Mohamed V.
First Half – Tactical battle
Burkina Faso lined up in a 4-3-3, dominating possession and territory, while Equatorial Guinea adopted a compact 4-4-2, focused on discipline and quick transitions. The opening 45 minutes were intense but goalless, with Burkina Faso creating the better chances through Bertrand Traoré and Dango Ouattara, while Equatorial Guinea threatened sporadically on the counter.
Defensively, Equatorial Guinea were well-organised, with goalkeeper Jesús Owono making key saves to deny Ouattara and Aziz Ki. Burkina Faso also had several corners but failed to convert, as the first half ended 0–0.
Second Half – Turning point and controversy
Burkina Faso came out aggressively after the break, pressing higher and increasing tempo. The turning point arrived in the 50th minute when Equatorial Guinea defender Basilio Ndong was initially booked before VAR intervened and upgraded the card to a red, leaving Equatorial Guinea with ten men for over 40 minutes.
Despite their numerical advantage, Burkina Faso struggled to break down a resilient Equatorial Guinea defence. A goal by Lassina Traoré in the 71st minute was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, further frustrating the Burkinabè.
Late drama – Goals at both ends
Against the run of play, Equatorial Guinea stunned the crowd in the 85th minute. From a corner, Carlos Akapo delivered a pinpoint cross which Marvin Anieboh met with a powerful header to give Equatorial Guinea a shock 1–0 lead.
Burkina Faso threw everything forward in response. The fourth official indicated eight minutes of added time, and the pressure finally told in the 90+5th minute when Georgi Minoungou, a second-half substitute, fired home from close range after a well-worked move involving Dango Ouattara.
With momentum fully on their side, Burkina Faso continued to push. Just three minutes later, in the 90+8th minute, centre-back Edmond Tapsoba rose above the defence to head the ball into the bottom corner, sealing a sensational 2–1 comeback victory.
Conclusion
Burkina Faso’s persistence, squad depth, and late attacking surge proved decisive, while Equatorial Guinea will feel hard done by after a heroic display with ten men that ultimately collapsed in stoppage time. The result reinforces Burkina Faso’s status as serious contenders, while Equatorial Guinea are left to reflect on a night of fine margins and cruel late heartbreak.
