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The opening match of Africa Cup of Nations Group D unfolded with an exhilarating clash between Burkina Faso and Mauritania. A pulsating moment in the 96th minute saw Bertrand Traore sealing Burkina Faso’s victory with a perfectly executed penalty. The substitute, Traore, outwitted Mauritania’s goalkeeper, Babacar Niasse, capitalizing on a penalty awarded for a foul committed by Nouh Mohamed El Abd on Issa Kabore within the penalty area.
Mauritania, on the cusp of securing only their third-ever point at Afcon, experienced heartbreak in the dying moments of the game. Burkina Faso, a traditionally formidable force in the tournament, with three semi-final appearances in the last five Afcons, found themselves grappling with a challenging task and struggled to exhibit their peak performance in Bouake.
Contrary to the unexpected outcomes of other favorites like Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Algeria – all failing to secure victories in their opening matches – Burkina Faso narrowly avoided a similar fate. Despite not hitting their stride, they crafted numerous scoring opportunities in the humid atmosphere of Stade de la Paix, including a close attempt from Adama Guira in the early minutes.
Mauritania’s goalkeeper, Niasse, showcased his prowess with two crucial late saves, thwarting Stephane Aziz Ki’s effort from a tight angle and deflecting a powerful shot from Traore over the crossbar.
The penalty decision came after a momentary confusion when Luton’s Kabore went down in the penalty area, initially overlooked by the referee but rectified upon consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).
Aston Villa’s Traore assumed the responsibility, converting the penalty with clinical precision to shatter the deadlock and secure the hard-fought victory for Burkina Faso.
The outcome proved unforgiving for Mauritania, who are still in pursuit of their maiden Afcon win. Despite being labeled as underdogs, they displayed promise, with Stallions goalkeeper Herve Koffi making a spectacular save to deflect Aboubakary Koita’s first-half free-kick over the bar.
The second half witnessed Koffi continuing his heroics, denying Sidi Amar with a remarkable diving save. Despite their relentless efforts, Mauritania fell short of finding the net, leaving them without the crucial goal that could have marked only their second goal at Afcon. The match unfolded with intensity, featuring twists and turns that underscore the unpredictable nature of the Africa Cup of Nations, making it a truly captivating tournament.
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