Burkina Faso advanced to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating 10-man Gabon on penalties on Sunday evening.
Result: Burkina Faso 1-1 Gabon (Burkina Faso won 7-6 on penalties)
Date: 23 January 2022
Venue: Stade Omnisport de Limbe
The Stallions made three changes to the side that was held by Ethiopia, as they recalled goalkeeper Herve Koffi, Soumaila Ouattara and Dango Ouattara, with Aston Villa attacker Bertrand Traore leading the line, while Gabon were without Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was withdrawn due to health reasons.
Burkina Faso were awarded a penalty in the 14th minute after Issa Kabore was pushed down in the box but Bertrand Traore fired his spot-kick against the crossbar.
However, Traore eventually broke the deadlock for Kamou Malo's charges just before the half-hour mark, after curling home a low strike that went in off the post after a through ball by Dango Ouattara.
With the game opening up after that, Aaron Boupendza found the back of the net for Gabon just before the half-time break after firing a low strike at the near post from a corner but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The Brazilians made a double change just after the half-time break, as Axel Meye replaced Jim Allevinah for fresh legs upfront and Denis Bouanga came on Anthony Oyono for the same reason in midfield.
Gabon gained attacking momentum after that, threatening to get the equaliser but they were reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute after Sidney Obissa got a second booking for shirt tug.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Gabon got the equaliser in stoppage time thanks to Adama Guira, who headed a corner into his own net at the back post, sending the clash to extra-time.
Malo's troops were spirited in the first period of extra-time and Abdoul Tapsoba found the back of the net in the 12th minute of extra-time with a strike at the back post after a square pass but the goal was chalked off for offside.
Ismahila Ouedraogo had a chance to snatch the winner five minutes before time with a volley in the box that was saved by Amonome as the sides went to penalty shootout.
It was the Stallions who came out on top in sudden death after Lloyd Palun crashed his spot-kick onto the top of the crossbar for Gabon before Ouedraogo converted the decisive spot-kick for Burkina Faso.
