Bande’s winner help Stallions sink Blue Sharks

Burkina Faso forward Boureima Bande scored with his chest to help the Stallions beat Cape Verde in Group A.

The 23-year old was on hand to guide home Issa Kabore’s delivery with his chest into the unguarded Cape Verdean goal six minutes before the break.

The Stallions who lost their opening match to hosts Cameroon came into the West African derby without captain Bertrand Traore, who tested positive for Covid-19.

Gustavo Sangare who scored the tournament’s first goal came close to adding to his tally but the enterprising midfielder failed to beat Josimar Dias inside four minutes.

Dias pulled a smart save to deny Tapsoboa on 12 minutes, the midfielder released fierce low drive from a set piece towards the far corner.

The Blue Sharks grew into the match with a string of neat passes but failed to trouble the compose Koffi. Kenny Rocha’s speculative effort was easily dealt with by Koffi.

Burkina Faso created some openings and came close midway through the first half through goal scorer Bande. The strong striker hassled Lopes before firing straight at the advancing Dias.

Dias was called to action this entire making a routine save from Gustavo Sangare’s ambitious toe-poked effort inside the area.

Cape Verde missed a great opportunity to break the deadlock on the half hour mark in Yaoundé. Talisman Julio Tavares saw his effort saved by Koffi who showed leadership throughout.

Bande scored his dream goal with his chest from to give Burkina Faso an important win to rekindle their chances of making the knockout stages.

The two sides created chances in the second half but lacked the cutting edge.

Cape Verde captain Ianique Tavares headed over the goal whiles Mohamed Konate scuffed a late opportunity wide for the Burkinabe.

Burkina Faso now move to second place level on points with Cape Verde, three behind hosts Cameroon who have booked their place in the last 16 with a 4-1 victory over bottom place Ethiopia.