AFCON 2025: Burkina Faso Stage Dramatic Late Comeback To Edge Equatorial Guinea
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Burkina Faso launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in thrilling fashion, rallying from behind to secure a dramatic 2–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea in their Group E opener on Wednesday night in Casablanca, Morocco.
A pulsating late turnaround saw the Stallions capitalize on their numerical advantage to claim all three points against a ten-man Nzalang Nacional.
The West Africans asserted themselves early in the contest and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half. Veteran winger Bertrand Traoré set the tone as early as the third minute with a probing effort, signaling Burkina Faso’s attacking intent.
Equatorial Guinea defender Saúl Coco nearly turned the ball into his own net under sustained pressure as the Stallions pushed forward relentlessly in the opening exchanges.
Despite Burkina Faso’s dominance, clear-cut chances proved scarce as the game settled into a more balanced rhythm.
Equatorial Guinea’s José Machín produced the Central Africans’ best effort of the half with a speculative long-range strike, but neither side managed to break the deadlock before the interval.
The complexion of the match changed dramatically early in the second half when Equatorial Guinea were reduced to ten men. Basilio Ndong was shown a straight red card in the 50th minute for a reckless challenge on Traoré, leaving his side with an uphill task for the remainder of the encounter.
Buoyed by the numerical advantage, Burkina Faso intensified their pressure. Dango Ouattara went close in the 58th minute, only to be denied by an impressive save from Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesús Owono.
Substitute Lassina Traoré later thought he had given the Stallions the lead, but his effort was chalked off following a VAR review that confirmed an offside infringement.
As the clock ticked down, Stéphane Aziz Ki forced another save from Owono, who stood tall for much of the contest.
However, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute when Marvin Anieboh rose highest to head Equatorial Guinea into a shock lead, momentarily silencing Burkina Faso’s growing momentum.
Refusing to relent, the Stallions responded almost immediately. Georgi Minoungou struck deep into stoppage time to restore parity, setting up a dramatic finale.
With seconds remaining, Edmond Tapsoba powered home a decisive header to complete an astonishing turnaround and seal victory for Burkina Faso at the death.
The dramatic win extended Burkina Faso’s unbeaten record against Equatorial Guinea and provided a confidence-boosting start to their AFCON 2025 journey.
The Stallions will now turn their attention to a stern Group E clash against 2019 champions Algeria on matchday two, while Equatorial Guinea will seek redemption when they face Sudan on December 28.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
