Burkina Faso revive hopes with win against Cape Verde

Burkina Faso muscled their way to an important 1-0 victory over Cape Verde in today’s second game at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. After an opening defeat by the hosts, this was a must-win for the Stallions who claimed a narrow victory thanks to Hassane Bande’s 40th-minute goal.

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Clinical Cameroon put four past Ethiopia to reach last 16

Africa Cup of Nations hosts Cameroon made a statement of intent when beating Ethiopia 4-1 to control Group A. Forwards Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko-Ekambi shared the goals after the Ethiopians awoke the Indomitable Lions by taking an early lead. Hotessa Dawa slid home after four minutes but the hosts were level after eight as Toko-Ekambi headed home.

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Gradel gives Ivory Coast victory against Equatorial Guinea

Ivory Coast captain Max Gradel scored a spectacular winner as the Elephants narrowly beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations opener. Ex-Bournemouth and Leeds forward Gradel lashed the two-time champions ahead from 20 yards with the outside of his right foot just five minutes in.

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Jallo stunner fires debutants Gambia to victory over Mauritania

The Gambia enjoyed a dream Africa Cup of Nations debut by beating Mauritania 1-0 in Limbe to go joint-top of Group F. Ablie Jallow struck the winner after 10 minutes as he controlled Musa Barrow’s pass with one touch before scoring from 25 yards with his second.

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Mali defeat Tunisia amid controversy over timekeeping

Mali beat Tunisia 1-0 at the Africa Cup of Nations in a Group F game which ended in controversy after the referee blew for full-time prematurely – twice. Carthage Eagles coach Mondher Kebaier and his technical staff raced on to the field to confront referee Janny Sikazwe after he ended the game a minute early. After Mali manager Mohamed Magassouba’s post-match press conference had started, tournament organisers ordered the game to be played to a conclusion.

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