Stoppage-time double sends Burkina Faso past Equatorial Guinea in AFCON thriller

Burkina Faso produced a dramatic late surge to snatch victory over Equatorial Guinea in a pulsating Group E encounter at the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, as a match defined by tactical discipline, a red card and chaotic stoppage time ended in heartbreak for the Nzalang Nacional.

From kickoff, Les Étalons showed clear intent to control proceedings, pushing high up the pitch and looking to move the ball quickly whenever possession was regained. Their approach was aimed at stretching Equatorial Guinea’s defence and creating openings in transition.

Equatorial Guinea, however, responded with organisation and patience. Sitting deep in a compact 4-1-4-1 formation, they clogged the midfield, shut down central channels and forced Burkina Faso into wide areas. The opening half-hour passed with little to trouble either goalkeeper, despite Burkina Faso’s superior possession.

The Burkinabè side circulated the ball confidently in advanced positions but struggled to find the decisive pass, limiting clear-cut opportunities.

The game’s first meaningful chance arrived on the half-hour mark when José Machín struck a fierce effort from distance that flashed just wide after the referee waved play on from a robust challenge. As the contest grew more physical, Machín later entered the referee’s book.

The complexion of the match changed early in the second half. In the 50th minute, Basilio Ndong was dismissed for a reckless tackle, leaving Equatorial Guinea to defend with ten men for the remainder of the contest.

Burkina Faso attempted to capitalise on their numerical advantage by increasing the tempo and spreading play to the flanks. Despite sustained pressure, their crosses and final deliveries lacked the quality needed to break the resistance.

At the 70th minute, Burkina Faso believed they had finally found the breakthrough. A cross from the right was flicked on by Ouattara for Lassina Traoré to tap home, but VAR intervened to rule the striker offside, denying Les Étalons and lifting Equatorial Guinea’s spirits.

In a stunning twist, Equatorial Guinea struck first despite being a man down.

With five minutes left in normal time, Carlos Akapo’s corner from the left was met by Marvin Anieboh, who powered a header past the goalkeeper to give his side a shock lead.

What followed was a frantic finish. Deep into stoppage time, a long ball caused confusion inside the Equatorial Guinea penalty area. Ouattara went down under pressure, and amid the scramble, Minoungou reacted quickest to force the ball over the line and restore parity.

Sensing fatigue in their opponents, Burkina Faso pushed for one final assault. In the 98th minute, Irie reached the byline and delivered an inviting cross. The goalkeeper could only parry the initial effort, and Tapsoba was on hand to nod in the rebound, completing a stunning comeback.

The result marked a significant statement for Burkina Faso in Group E, earned through resilience and belief until the final whistle. For Equatorial Guinea, it was a bitter conclusion to a brave and disciplined display that unravelled in the closing moments.