2013 African Cup of Nations finalists Burkina Faso progressed to AFCON quarter finals after seeing off ten-man Gabon 7-6 via post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time in a round of 16 match played the Limbe Omnisport Stadium on Sunday evening.The match looked largely even in the opening stages but Burkina Faso had the best of chances early on. Tackles were also flying in the opening exchanges, resulting to a couple of yellow cards for either side.At the quarter-hour mark, Burkinabe won a spot kick after Issa Kabore was fouled by Sidney Obissa. Aston Villa forward Bertrand Traore stepped forward to take but his attempt hit crossbar. Traore would redeem himself, in the 28th minute with a fine strike to put his side ahead. Gabon had a great opportunity to hit back four minutes later but his shot went directly to Herve Koffi’s waiting arms. Next was Lloyd Palun whose shot was saved by Koffi.Burkina Faso and Gabon are heading to extra time. #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/micecxQCe5— #AFCON2021 (@EricNjiiru) January 23, 2022 Three minutes before the break, Aaron Boupendza thought he had drawn his side level after finding the back of the net but was denied by the offside flag.Gabon started the second half strongly looking to even the scores. They won couple of free-kicks and throw ins which didn’t amount to much as Burkina Faso did well to keep them at bay. Their hopes of coming back into the game received a major blow when Obissa, who had conceded the first half penalty was sent off for a second booking in the 67th minute. Gabon players protested profusely and this resulted in Issa Kabore getting a booking.Despite being a man down, their spirits remained high and kept attacking particularly on the break.Passion ⚽️💯🔝 #Traore.(’67 Burkina Faso 1 Gabon 0) #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/ly9phJYI2d— #AFCON2021 (@EricNjiiru) January 23, 2022 The numbers advantage would count in the later stages of the game as Burkina Faso went all out in search of a second goal. Traore in particular was a handful for the ten-man Gabon.Just as it looked like Burkina Faso would go through easily, Gabon got the leveler through an Adama Guira own goal. The midfielder headed headed into his own goal in stoppage time to send the game to extra time.Edmond Tapsoba thought he had won it for his team in the 102nd minute but his goal was ruled out for offside. He was denied in the 106th minute when Jean-Noël Amonome pulled a huge save to block his volley from close range. None of the sides could get the winning goal and the tie had to be settled from the spot.First quarterfinal will be confirmed tonight. #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/SiRLiEoIAg— #AFCON2021 (@EricNjiiru) January 23, 2022 During the penalties, Denis Bouanga, Axel Meye, Aaron Salem Boupendza, Andre Biyogo Poko, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Louis Ameka Autchanga converted for Gabon, while Guelor Kanga, Yannis N’Gakoutou, Lloyd Palun missed their kicks.Burkina Faso’s Issa Kabore, Soumaila Ouattara, Steeve Yago, Adama Guira, Mohamed Konaté, Ismahila Ouédraogo, Saïdou Simporé scored. Edmond Tapsoba, Abdoul Tapsoba missed their kicks
