The decisive goal came from Edmond Tapsoba in the final seconds in Casablanca, heading in a rebound to seal the victory. The first half ended 0-0, but the game changed five minutes after half-time when VAR upgraded Basilio Ndong’s yellow card to a straight red for a studs-up challenge on Bertrand Traore.

Surprisingly, Equatorial Guinea went ahead in the 85th minute despite being a man down, as substitute Marvin Anieboh scored a superb header from Carlos Akapo’s cross.

Burkina Faso pushed forward during eight minutes of added time and were rewarded when Georgi Minoungou equalized with a low finish after a pass from Brentford’s Dango Ouattara. Before Equatorial Guinea could regroup, Tapsoba struck the winner after reacting fastest to a saved cross from goalkeeper Jesus Owono.

Also Read: Egypt beat Zimbabwe 2-1 as Mohamed Salah scores in the last minute

Burkina Faso will now face Algeria in Rabat on Sunday, while Equatorial Guinea stay in Casablanca to play Sudan. Both teams reached the last 16 at the 2023 finals in Ivory Coast, and this win gives Burkina Faso a major step toward the knockout stage.

Sunderland forward Bertrand Traore played a key role, while Ouattara drove attacking momentum but lacked finishing precision. A potential goal by Lassina Traore was ruled out for offside.

Equatorial Guinea’s top scorer from the last AFCON, Emilio Nsue, remained on the bench, leaving Coach Juan Micha with crucial tactical decisions ahead of the Sudan match.