AFCON 2021: Burkina Faso Poke Noses In R16 After 1-1 Draw Against Ethiopia

Burkina Faso and Ethiopia squared-up and had a parity to that effect on Monday January 17 for their last match of the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations.

At the end of a rather balanced game, the two nations were unable to net a decider and parted ways with a 1-1 score. Burkina had opened the scoring through Bayala but Kebede tied the teams from the penalty spot. The Stallions are qualified for the round of 16, after picking up four points from 9, in group A.

The first half saw Burkina Faso settle in their camp and settled for counter attacking football.

Bertrand Traoré in particular was highly sought after. Without utterly bossing the game, the Stallions managed to open scoring through Bayala (24 ‘).

Despite Burkina Faso’s lead, Ajaccio forward – Gabede Getaneh – was a handful for Burkina Faso.

However, the Ethiopians, defeated in their first two games, were not lucky enough as very big chances fell for Kebede, but goalkeeper Ouedraogo was on his A game.

The second half started slowly and was only illuminated by a penalty awarded to the Ethiopians after a handball from Yago in his area. Kebede was not denied this time, as he pulled his team square (1-1, 51).

The rest of the game was a bit flat but Ethiopia again put their foot on the gas pedal and showed a nice character even if they weren’t playing much anymore. They (Ethiopia) didn’t move a muscle despite the draw, but the team gave a good account of themselves.