AFCON 2025: Burkina Faso score two late goals to secure dramatic 2-1 win over Equatorial Guinea

Burkina Faso scored two injury-time goals on Wednesday afternoon to rally from behind to beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in their opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In the Group E encounter played at Stade Mohamed V, the Stallions dominated play in the first half but failed to capitalise on the chances they created, forcing them to settle for a draw at halftime.

After recess, Burkina Faso thought they had broken the deadlock in the 71st minute when Lassina Traore powered home from close range after meeting a dangerous cross.

However, celebrations were swiftly halted as referee Mohamed Maarouf Eid called for a VAR review, and the goal was eventually ruled out for offside in the build-up.

That decision appeared to swing momentum, with Equatorial Guinea striking against the run of play in the 85th minute. A corner delivered by Carlos Akapo found Marvin Anieboh unmarked in the box, and the defender made no mistake as he headed the ball into the top left corner to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Just when it seemed Equatorial Guinea would hold on for victory, Burkina Faso mounted a dramatic late push. In the 95th minute, Georgi Minoungou found space inside the penalty area and calmly fired a low shot into the bottom right corner to restore parity.

The comeback was completed moments later when Edmond Tapsoba reacted quickest to a rebound inside the six-yard box, guiding a header inside the left post in the eighth minute of added time to seal a remarkable 2-1 win for Burkina Faso.

The delightful win puts Burkina Faso top of the Group E standings, ahead of the second group match between Algeria and Sudan.