Bertrand Traoré’s stoppage time penalty was enough as Burkina Faso secured a 1-0 win over Mauritania in an exciting Group D encounter played at Stade Bouake on Tuesday afternoon.
Mauritania looked more lively in the opening exchanges with Burkina Faso struggling to create any real opportunities.
In the 7th minute Aboubakary Koïta saw hid shot from outside the box saved in the centre of the goal.
Aboubakary Koïta was lucky not to get his goal as his well struck swerving free kick was pushed out for a corner by the arlet Herve Koffi.
Hemeya Tanjy was the busiest in Mauritania’s attack. His header from Idrissa Thiam’s cross just went wide of goal.
Later Tanjy came close again in the 32nd minute but his right footed shot from outside the box was easily saved in the bottom right corner be Herve Koffi.
Burkina Faso were restricted in attack by a well organized Mauritania side.
The only negative in the first half for Mauritania was the injury to Aboubakar Kamara who limped off and replaced by Souleymane Anne.
The Lions of Chinguetti went into the half time break the happier of the two sides.
The Stallions grew more into the game in the second half with the likes of Aziz Ki driving forward. But mainly Burkina Faso were being restricted to long range attempts.
Mauritania looked to hang on for a point. However a VAR decision that awarded the Stallions a late penalty for an infringement in the box which Traoré’ gladly executed to seal three points and send his side to the top of Group D.
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