AFCON 2021: Hassane Bande Scores Wonder Goal as Burkina Faso Beat Cape Verde

• Burkina Faso have given themselves a chance to qualify for the AFCON 2021 knockout stage after beating Cape Verde 1-0
• Super striker Hassane Bande scored the only goal that gave Burkina Faso their first win at the AFCON 2021
• Bande and his teammates are now occupying second position in Group A and must avoid defeat in their last game

Hassane Bande who plays in the Croatian First Football League for NK Istra 1961 was the hero on Thursday night, January 13, as his brilliant goal gave Burkina Faso a 1-0 win over Cape Verde.

After losing their first game in the African Cup of Nations against host nation Cameroon, Burkina Faso put the defeat behind them to fight hard in their second game.

Burkina Faso started the encounter impressively against Cape Verde with Julio Tavares having the chance to open scoring in the 7th minute, but his effort was blocked by Roberto Lopez.

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When did Burkina Faso score their goal?

After serious efforts for breakthrough, Burkina Faso eventually got their goal in the 39th minute through Hassane Bande who chested the ball nicely inside the net after benefiting from a superb cross by Issa Kabore.

Cape Verde tried all they could to restore parity against Burkina Faso, but they were unable to get the goal.

And what happened in the second half?

Cape Verde players came out with good fight in the second half of the encounter, but they found it difficult to break the defense of the opponents in what was a tough tie.

Burkina Faso eventually won the match 1-0 and they are now occupying second position in Group A behind Cameroon.

Aboubakar Scores Brace Against Ethiopia As Cameroon Become 1st Team To Qualify For Knock Out Stage

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how host nation Cameroon became the first team to qualify for AFCON 2021 knockout stage on Thursday, January 13, following a 4-1 against Ethiopia.

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But Cameroon started the game in the worst possible way after conceding as early as the 4th minute.

Hotessa gave Ethiopia a shock lead when he was picked out by Nasir and made no mistake slotting past Andre Onana in goal for Cameroon. The goal brought a sudden silence in the stadium.

However, Cameroon were back on level terms just minutes later after Toko Ekambi restored parity with a close-range header.

Quick-fire goals in the second half from captain Vincent Aboubakar and another strike from Ekambi completed the comeback for Cameroon as they sealed a place in AFCON last 16.