Burkina Faso defeated Cape Verde 1-0 in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A match at the Paul Mbiya Stadium in Cameroon on Thursday night.
As a result, the Stallions moved joint second with the Blue Sharks with three points each from two matches played.
The match got off to a lively start and it was Stallions, who threatened first through Adama Guira 15 minutes into the encounter.
The Racing Rioja midfielder combined nicely with Steeve Yago and he unleashed a powerful shot which went just over the crossbar.
Herve Koffi was called into action in the to deny Roberto Lopez from inside the area, after a surging run from the Blue Sharks winger.
Lopez threatened once again in the 25th minute as did well to evade the challenge of Issafou Diayo before firing into the side-netting.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 39th minute when Issa Kabore’s delivery from the right was chested into an empty net by Hassane Bandé.
Jamiro Monteiro squandered a great chance to give the Blue Sharks an equalizer at the stroke of the halftime as the striker could only place his effort straight at Koffi six-yards out.
Hassan Bande could have extended the lead for Burkina Faso in the 67th minute but the striker failed connect with Edmond Tapsoba’s cross.
Koffi was called into action in the 74th minute to deny Jeffry Fortes from the edge of the area.
Julio Tavares almost leveled matters in the 88th minute but the winger’s half volley crashed onto the upright, as Burkina Faso held on for an important three points.
How they lined up:
Cape Verde: Vozinha – Steven Fortes, Roberto Lopes, Stopira – Jeffry Fortes, Kenny Santos, Patrick Andrade. Dylan Tavares – Garry Rodrigues, Julio Tavares, Jamiro Monteiro.
Burkina Faso: Herve Koffi – Issa Kabore, Issoufou Dayo, Edmond Tapsoba, Steve Yago – Blati Toure, Gustavo Sangare, Adama Guira – Hassan Bande, Abdoul Tapsoba, Cyril Bayala.
