Home

Burkina Faso into last 16, Cape Verde wait

AAPReuters
Cyrille Bayala celebrates the goal that took Burkina Faso into the Africa Cup of Nations last 16.
Camera IconCyrille Bayala celebrates the goal that took Burkina Faso into the Africa Cup of Nations last 16. Credit: AP

Burkina Faso have secured a place in the knock-out stages at the Africa Cup of Nations after Cyrille Bayala's first-half goal helped them to an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Ethiopia and second place in Group A .

That kept them above Cape Verde on the head-to-head, having won the tie between the two on Thursday, despite the Blue Sharks holding hosts and group winners Cameroon on Monday.

Bayala netted midway through the opening period at the Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam, for the 2013 finalists.

Adama Guira's long ball was chased by Bayala, who outstripped the defenders and lobbed advancing Ethiopia goalkeeper Teklemariam Shanko with a tidy finish.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Ethiopia levelled seven minutes into the second period after they were awarded a spot kick for Steeve Yago's handball from a corner. Getaneh Kebede converted to earned his side their only point of the tournament.

The Game AFL 2024

Burkinade struggled to impose themselves against a team they would expect to beat.

Goalkeeper Farid Ouedraogo, who was playing as Herve Koffi tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, twice made excellent stops to deny Kebede.

In Yaounde Vincent Aboubakar scored his fifth goal of the tournament to put Cameroon into the lead in the 39th minute.

But Garry Rodrigues equalised eight minutes after being introduced at half-time with an audacious back flick.

With the four best third-place finishers qualifying for the knock-out stages that ought to be enough for Cape Verde to progress but they must wait to find out.

Ethiopia are eliminated but will be pleased with a much better defensive performance.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails