AFCON 2022: Burkina Faso Squeeze Past Cape Verde As Runner-Up Favourites

Ajax loanee Hassane Bande chested the ball into the net six minutes before halftime to give Burkina Faso a 1-0 win over the Cape Verde Islands at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2022 on Thursday.

The NK Istra's striker Bande steered the cross from Isaa Kabore and secured a first Group A victory for his country, who lost their opening game to hosts Cameroon on Sunday.

Hassane Bande Chest Ball Into The Net

Burkina Faso's win propelled them higher than Cape Verde on the Group A standings but levelled on three points, three behind Cameroon who thrashed Ethiopia 4-1 in the earlier Group A game at the Olembe Stadium.

Bande was brought into the line-up to replace Bertrand Traore, who tested positive for COVID-19 on the eve of the match

The Aston Villa striker was one of four players forced into quarantine, although the Burkinabe did get their coach Kamou Malo back out of isolation after he had missed Sunday’s opener.

Burkina showed more attacking intent in yet another 1-0 result, the 10th in 14 games at the tournament.

Cape Verde rarely threatened, even after bringing on Ryan Mendes as a second-half substitute in the first appearance for their star player, who had been injured and was not expected to feature.

Julio Tavares had their best chance but was denied by a good save from Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi.

Cape Verde have also been hard hit by COVID-19 infections, with their coach Bubista yet to arrive at the tournament in Cameroon.

Burkina Faso are likely to progress second in the group as they have 'naive' Ethiopia to contend with compared to Cape Verde who will face steaming-hot hosts Cameroon.