After many ‘underdogs’ qualified for the knock-out stages of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, the sport public was eager to see how far they can go. Most of them fell at the first hurdle – first, it was Comoros who fought bravely against hosts Cameroon, then the Cape Verde squad who were depleted by two red cards and defeated by giants Senegal and fiesty Malawi footballers who tormented Morocco until late in the match.But there are those who are still alive and fighting for glory. Equatorial Guinea have their match tomorrow against Senegal but it was the Burkina Faso players who marked the day at AFCON. Final score against Tunisia at Stade Omnisport Roumdé Adjia in Garoua – 1-0.AFCON 2021: Toko Ekambi’s double against Gambia sends Cameroon to the semisFrom the very start of the match, it was obvious the Stallions want it more. But even so, neither side was able to create any chances on goal throughout the opening 25 minutes. After eliminating Nigeria in the previous round, the football world expected a lot from Tunisia but tonight the North Africans looked out of steam. They were unable to handle the intensity of Burkina Faso – two players in particular that looked dangerous, Gustavo Sangaré and Djibril Ouattara, but as a team, Burkina Faso looked on top during most of the first half.During the first 45 minutes, Tunisia had only one big chance and it came from a Wahbi Khazri free-kick that was flying towards goal, but Hervé Koffi was where he was supposed to be to tip it over the bar.Just as everyone at the stadium was expecting the halftime whistle and a goalless scoreboard – Dango Ouattara stepped onto the scene. His great solo effort in stoppage time left a few defenders behind which allowed him to drill a powerful shot past Bechir Ben Saïd. It was a deserved lead for his side before the break.Ladies and Gentlemen…19 Years old…Dango Ouattara 🔥🔥🔥Puts Burkina Faso ahead of Tunisia ⚽#AFCON #AFCON2021 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 #TeamTunisia #TeamBurkinaFaso pic.twitter.com/8BjNmOauoj— Shakes Rampedi (@ShakesRampedi) January 29, 2022 To begin the second half the Eagles of Carthage sent Naïm Sliti and Ali Maâloul onto the pitch but the changes did little to nothing and failed to leave the desired effect. They failed to pose much of a threat in the final third, just like in the first half.Tunisia did continue to push forward for an equaliser but their attempts were easily treated by the Burkinabe defence. Hero of the win against Nigeria, Youssef Msakni, had a chance but it was dealt with by Stallions’ impressive defensive effort.In the 82nd minute Ouattara, the only man on the scoresheet, was sent off for a dangerous elbow, setting up a tense finish but it still was not enough for Tunisia who failed to use the numerical advantage.Sun 18:00: (3.40) Egypt (2.80) Morocco (2.65)Burkina Faso managed to close things out effectively and eventually got the job done. For the fourth time in the country’s history, they clinched a spot in the tournament’s semifinals.On the other end, a disappointing end of the tournament for Tunisia, undoubtedly. They expected to progress further in the competition but are headed home thanks to inspired Burkina Faso.Burkinabe ‘Cinderella run’ continues and their potential semifinal matchup will be against either Egypt or Morocco.AFRICA CUP OF NATIONSQuarterfinalsGambia – Cameroon 0-2 (0-0)/Toko-Ekambi 50, 57/Burkina Faso – Tunisia 1-0 (1-0)/Ouattara 45+3/©SofaScore
