January 29, (THEWILL) – Burkina Faso advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Tunisia, thanks to Dango Ouattara’s goal even though he was subsequently red-carded.
Kamou Malo’s side will now face Senegal or Equatorial Guinea in the last-four tie on Wednesday, despite Ouattara’s red card for a violent aerial tackle.
Tunisia dominated the first half, but Burkina Faso led at the break. Wahbi Khazri came close with a free kick as Tunisia maintained control of the initial 45 minutes of quarter-final football.
Three minutes into first half stoppage time, Ouattara grabbed Ibrahim Toure’s pass, cut inside two Tunisian defenders, and struck a left-footed strike past Bechir Ben Said in between the sticks for Tunisia to take a slim lead into the interval.
When VAR persuaded referee Joshua Bondo to review the pitchside monitor following Soumaila Ouattara’s challenge on Khazri in the penalty area, Tunisia felt they would get a chance to tie the game late on, but the official adhered to his original decision.
Soon after, the referee found reason to agree with VAR and flashed Ouattara a red card for catching Ali Maaloul in the face with an elbow in the 83rd minute.
However, Burkina Faso hung on despite that numerical deficit in the final eight minutes to secure a place in the last four and send the North Africans out of the continental competition.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
