Burkina Faso came through a marathon penalty shootout to defeat Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations last-16 on Sunday.
The game started just as it ended, with a spot-kick that went Burkina Faso’s way after Sidney Obissa committed a foul in the area. Bertrand Traore stepped up and smashed his effort against the crossbar.
The Aston Villa forward made no mistake in the 28th minute when set free one-on-one and, forced to shoot early in the face of the onrushing goalkeeper, he slotted home via the post.
Aaron Boupendza had an equaliser ruled out due to a tight offside call and life got even tougher for Gabon in the second-half when Obissa picked up his second booking for an off the ball shove.
Traore and Adama Guira both failed to convert a pacey Burkina Faso counter-attack late on before their opponents snatched an injury-time equaliser. A deep corner was contested by Guira but, in his attempt to clear the ball, he diverted it into his own net.
Extra-time and then penalties were required, which saw Gabon run out of lives after a lengthy shootout.
First it was Guelor Kanga who missed before Saidou Simpore fired over for Burkina Faso. In sudden death, Yannis N’Gakoutou and Abdoul Tapsoba traded misses before a breakthrough was finally found.
Lloyd Palun failed to convert, which allowed Ismahila Ouedraogo the chance to put Burkina Faso into the last eight.
