Burkina Faso was the first to qualify for the quarter-finals of the African Cup at the expense of Gabon on Sunday. After 120 minutes the score was 1-1. The penalty shootout that followed was 7-6 in favor of Burkina Faso. Charleroi goalkeeper Hervey Coffey, who watched from the edge of the penalty area and treated the crowd with just a few flips, was pleased.
Bertrand Traore missed a first-time penalty for the burkini in normal time, but scored half an hour ago. Shortly before the end of the first half, the Gabonese saw the loss of an equaliser.
To make matters worse, Charleroi defender Sidney Obesa had to pay a second yellow card midway through the second half. Burkina Faso, with Hervé Coffey (Charleroi) among the crossbars and Abdoul Tabsoba (standard) as a substitute (from the 90th minute) between the lines, looked like they had won the match. Even Adama Guerra gave Gabon’s ten-man extra time in overtime with an own goal. No more goals were scored in extra time, so it was necessary to take the decision on penalties.
After eight attempts, both teams missed twice each. Tapsoba managed to fire Burkina Faso into the quarter-finals, but like his Gabonese predecessor he missed in the 11 metres. Gabon also failed in the ninth inning, which cost it elimination this time.
covic volatility
Goalkeeper Kofi, who watched along the edge of the penalty area when Gabon missed, went completely insane afterwards and made some flips. Work they also saw in Charleroi. “We are very happy for you and Burkina Faso, but please make sure you don’t get injured,” said Hino, laughing.
Nigeria outside
Later in the evening it was not Nigeria, but Tunisia qualified for the quarter-finals of the African Cup. Halfway through, no goals were scored at the Stade Omnisport Roumdé Adjia in Garoua, Cameroon. But former Youbin striker Youssef Msakni changed that at the start of the second half.
Nigeria threw in two fresh forces every hour, but that didn’t work out well. For example, Alex Iwobi was disqualified after only four minutes of play. The Nigerian of ten couldn’t catch up.
In the Super Eagles there were many old acquaintances at the base such as William Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi (all from former Ghent) and Wilfred Ndidi (formerly Genk). Former Zulte Waregem player Peter Olayinka came in. Hamza Rafia of Standard was allowed to play 70 minutes for the opposing team.
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