Angola carried on their impressive form in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) by beating Burkina Faso 2-0 at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The victory for the Black Sable Antelopes ensured that they comfortably won Group D and advanced to the Round of 16 of the tournament.
The match got off to a balanced start with both teams keeping possession equally. Angola seemed to have the edge going forward and were looking dangerous from an attacking standpoint.
Eventually, Angola went ahead in the 36th minute through Mabululu who headed in a cross from a free kick taken by Fredy.
After scoring, Angola clearly became the better team and gained more possession. The closing stages of the first half saw Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traoré charge for the goal but the team’s efforts could not materialise into something tangible going into the break.
The second half was a step up for Burkina Faso who started to look more convincing in their bid to score a goal.
The Stallions showed a good brand of counter attacks but failed to find the back of the net.
Bertrand Traoré in particular was a player who stood out with his attempts on goal but none were converted.
Mabululu almost scored a brace just over the 50th minute mark and he forced a save from Black Sable Antelopes goalkeeper Hervé Koffi.
A collision between Angola goalkeeper Neblú and an outfield player in the 82nd minute saw him remain on the ground as he received treatment on the pitch.
Eight minutes were added on for stoppage time and Burkina Faso continued to attack but their efforts were futile as Angola walked away with the victory.
At the death, Angola secured the win through a stoppage time goal from Zini who had come off the bench in the closing stages of the game.
The win for the Black Sable Antelopes means they win Group D and qualify for the Round of 16 of the 2023 Afcon.
Burkina Faso also qualified for the next round of the competition with their second place finish.
Angola (1) 2 (Mabululu 36’, Zini 90+3’)
Burkina Faso (0)
Angola: Neblú, E. Afonso, K. Gaspar, J. Balanga, A. Carneiro, Fredy (Zini 77’), B. Paz (M. Cafumana 63’), Estrela, Gilberto (Z. Luvumbo 58’), Mabululu (Milson 77’), G. Dala (J. Bela 58’)
Burkina Faso: K. Koffi, I. Kaboré, I. Dayo, E. Tapsoba, A. Guiebre (S. Yago 76’), G. Sangaré, I. Ouédraogo S. Banse 89’), B. Traoré (A. Fessal Tapsoba 76’), S. Ki, C. Badolo (D.Ouattara 45’), D. Ouattara