Burkina Faso s forward #10 Bertrand Traore shoots and scores his team s first goal from a penalty kick during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group D football match between Burkina Faso and Mauritania at Stade de la Paix in Bouake on January 16, 2024. AFP
The match in Bouake was all set to finish in a goalless stalemate until Issa Kabore went down in the box under a challenge from Mauritania defender Nouh El Abd four minutes into stoppage time.
Called across to review the tackle on the pitch side monitor, the Moroccan referee decided to give a spot-kick and Traore, who has made just six appearances for Aston Villa this season off the bench, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
The result means the Stallions, runners-up at the 2013 AFCON, are top of Group D after rivals Algeria and Angola drew 1-1 on Monday.
Burkina Faso's next outing is against Algeria in Bouake on Saturday.
Appearing at their third consecutive Cup of Nations, Mauritania are still without a win at the tournament in seven attempts.
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