Burkina Faso sink Sudan to qualify for 1xBet AFCON knockout stage

By PM News

Burkina Faso qualified for the knockout stage of the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations with a composed 2–0 victory over Sudan on Wednesday.

The Stallions dominated large stretches of the contest, combining patient build-up play with disciplined defensive organisation to subdue a Sudanese side that struggled to convert key moments into goals.

Burkina Faso’s early control paid off in the 16th minute when Lassina Traoré rose above the defence to power a precise header into the net from a well-delivered cross, giving his side a deserved lead.

The goal settled the West Africans, who continued to dictate the tempo through intelligent possession and quick transitions.

Sudan were handed a golden opportunity to level matters midway through the first half after being awarded a penalty following a foul in the box. However, Al Gozoli Nooh squandered the chance, dragging his effort narrowly wide, a miss that proved costly as Burkina Faso regrouped and tightened their defensive grip.

Despite Sudan’s improved urgency after the break, clear-cut chances remained scarce, with Burkina Faso goalkeeper Hervé Koffi and his defence dealing comfortably with crosses and speculative efforts.

The Stallions continued to probe on the counter and nearly doubled their advantage on several occasions before finding the decisive breakthrough late on.

In the 85th minute, Arsène Kouassi sealed the win with a clinical finish, smashing a low shot into the bottom corner after being picked out inside the penalty area, effectively ending Sudan’s resistance.

Despite the loss, Sudan qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best losers.