In a thrilling and dramatic encounter, Burkina Faso secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Equatorial Guinea. This success, snatched in the final seconds of stoppage time, keeps the 'Stallions'' hopes alive for qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

From the kickoff, both sides vied for midfield supremacy, but it was Burkina Faso who quickly dictated the tempo. The 'Stallions' employed a high-pressing game, brilliantly exploiting the flanks. Bertrand Traore and Dango Ouattara crafted the first dangerous opportunities, combining swift passes with powerful long-range shots that severely tested goalkeeper Jesus Owono.

Conversely, Equatorial Guinea showcased a robust defensive setup, favouring rapid transitions orchestrated primarily by Jose Machin and Carlos Akapo down the wings. Despite Burkina Faso's territorial dominance, Chiquinho Conde's charges displayed exemplary tactical discipline, diligently thwarting numerous Burkinabe advances.

The 32nd minute saw Ismahila Ouedraogo cautioned with a yellow card. Soon after, Edmond Tapsoba and Pierre Landry Kabore went close to breaking the deadlock, but their headers were resolutely repelled by the Equatorial Guinean defence. Despite a succession of corners and threatening crosses, neither side could find the back of the net. The first half concluded goalless at 0-0, ensuring all options remained open for the second period.

The second half commenced with tactical adjustments from both benches. The Burkinabe coach bolstered his attacking options by introducing Stephane Aziz Ki, Lassina Traore, and Saidou Simpore. Equatorial Guinea countered by bringing on Marvin Anieboh, Dorian Hanza, and Jannick Buyla, hoping to inject greater depth and creativity into their play.

The match took a decisive turn in the 50th minute when Basilio Ndong was sent off following a VAR review, reducing Equatorial Guinea to ten players. This expulsion clearly disadvantaged the visitors, allowing Burkina Faso to logically intensify their pressure. They subsequently crafted numerous scoring opportunities, with shots from Dango Ouattara, Stephane Aziz Ki, and Georgi Minoungou all either repelled or deflected by a valiant defence.

Against all odds, Equatorial Guinea displayed remarkable resilience. In the 85th minute, the visiting side sensationally broke the deadlock, as Marvin Anieboh converted a cross-header following a perfectly delivered corner by Carlos Akapo. This goal stunned the home crowd and heaped immense pressure on Burkina Faso.

Crazy stoppage-time drama: The Stallions' heroic response

Burkina Faso's response was both swift and determined. In the 94th minute, Georgi Minoungou emerged as the saviour, levelling the scores with a powerful right-footed shot from inside the box, having been perfectly teed up by Dango Ouattara. This dramatic equaliser reignited the hopes of both players and their fervent supporters.

The climax of this rollercoaster match arrived in the 95th minute. Edmond Tapsoba, rising highest to power an unstoppable header into the bottom left corner of the net, completed the spectacular comeback and clinched victory for Burkina Faso. The goal ignited an indescribable explosion of joy on the bench and among the players, celebrating a display of exemplary perseverance and resilience throughout this truly memorable encounter.

G. Minoungou

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