Hard Fighting Burkina Faso Defeat Tunisia to Cruise to Semi-final of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

Hard Fighting Burkina Faso Defeat Tunisia to Cruise to Semi-final of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

Babajide Orevba
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:55 PM
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  • Burkina Faso ended Tunisia’s dream of winning the AFCON 2021 title as the West Africans defeated the Carthage Eagles 1-0
  • A first-half stoppage-time strike from Django Ouattara was enough to send the Burkinabe to the semifinal stage of the tournament
  • Tunisia started the encounter on a high, but somehow they failed to connect upfront as they crash out of the tournament

The Stallions of Burkina Faso are through to the semi-final of the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon after defeating the North Africans 1-0.

Django Ouattara’s goal in first-half stoppage time was enough to see the Burkinabe through to the final four of the competition as they hope to take home the title on February 6.

But it was Tunisia that started on the front foot when Youssef Msakni initiated a one-man press for his side in the 2nd minute, but it was perfectly cut out by the referee.

Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso through to AFCON 2021 semifinal. Photo: Daniel Beloumou Olomo
Source: Getty Images

In the 12th minute, Kabore did brilliantly for Burkina Faso, driving past three defenders and putting a really nice ball into the box. The right-back clearly wearing the number nine shirt for a reason.

Halfway through the first half, Bayala had space on the left wing, chopped away from Drager who was completely beaten.

And three minutes into first-half stoppage time, Burkina Faso took the lead with the final kick as Toure played Ouattara who drove into the box, cut back inside... and then fired it past Ben Said.

Tunisia came close, five minutes into the second half when Sliti threw himself to the ground in the Burkina Faso box, in a desperate attempt to get a penalty, but the referee waved play-on

The North Africans continued to pile the pressure and as at the 75th minute, it was yet another corner for them, but it was cleared again.

Goalscorer Ouattara was shown a yellow card in the 79th minute, as Burkina Faso man caught Maaloul with the elbow as they both go up for a long ball, and after VAR check, the yellow was withdrawn as the player was sent off.

Somehow, the Carthage Eagles failed to restore parity as they crash out of the tournament. It ended; Burkina Faso 1-0 Tunisia.

Cameroon reach AFCON 2021 semifinal

Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that Host nation Cameroon are through to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a convincing 2-0 win over debutants Gambia.

Karl Toko Ekambi scored a second-half brace to help the Indomitable Lions to the last four of the competition after a goalless first half.

The hosts Cameroon will now face either Egypt or Morocco in the semi-finals.

Authors
Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
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