Burkina Faso's Bertrand Traore (10) celebrates winning goal against Mauritania, during Africa Cup of Nations match at the Stade de la Paiz in Bouake, Côte d'Ivoire.

AFCON 2023: Traore Hands Burkina Faso Victory Against Mauritania

Last updated Jan 16, 2024

Burkina Faso scored a late goal to secure all three points in their 1-0 victory against Mauritania in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D encounter, at the Stade de la Paiz in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire.

Mauritania started Aboubakar Kamara and Aboubakary Koita in a two-man attack, while Burkina Faso featured Mohamed Konate up-front with Mamady Bangre and Cedric Badolo supporting on the flanks.

Here’s how both sides will start their first #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 encounter! #BFAMRT pic.twitter.com/qWUHhdzD3J

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 16, 2024

Mauritania, who are still chasing their first Africa Cup of Nations win, proved solid in the first half by creating some decent chances.

Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper Havre Koffi came through for the Stallions on some occasions when needed to keep his side in the game as Mauritania pressed on.

In the second half, Bertrand Traore came on for Cedric Badolo to provide more attacking threats for Hubert Velud’s side. He nearly scored the opener after he curled from the penalty box but was denied by goalkeeper Babacar Niasse.

Read more: AFCON 2023: 10-Man Guinea Holds Cameroon

However, Issa Kabore was brought down in the box at the closing stages of the game. After VAR review, a penalty was awarded to Burkina Faso. Substitute Traore stepped up and converted for Burkina Faso to win all three points and ensure their tournament is on course.

Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore (10) scores penalty against Mauritania.

Blati Touré was named as Man of the Match in Burkina Faso’s win over Mauritania in their opening group game of the Africa Cup of Nations, tagged Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

Burkina Faso head coach, Hubert Velud, has admitted their win against Mauritania was a tough one after they pick a late win in their opening game of the 2023 AFCON

⌚ FULL-TIME!

Burkina Faso snatches the 3 points in the dying moments, thanks to Bertrand Traore’s late goal! #BFAMRT | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/J1lqMryoc9

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 16, 2024

“We won the game in a more difficult situation, it is even more difficult looking at where the game traveled to,” he said. “We expected such a tough game from Mauritania so we were not surprised because first AFCON games are very balanced.

“First half was a little balanced, we didn’t create enough chances, our opponent took advantage of our deficiencies. Second half, Mauritania plunged physically, we were much more dangerous than them, we also had more impact with the changes.”

Burkina Faso will play Algeria next on January 20th their next game, while Mauritania will face Angola.

Tuesday’s AFCON results

Burkina Faso 1-0 Mauritania

Tunisia 0-1 Namibia

Mali 0-0 South Africa*

Source CAF