Last-Second Fireworks: Burkina Faso Stuns Equatorial Guinea in a AFCON Opener Thriller
24 December 2025
Drama-Filled AFCON Opener
In one of the wildest group-stage openers, Burkina Faso edged Equatorial Guinea 2-1 to start their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, with a late finish reminiscent of Manchester United's famous comeback against Bayern Munich.
Late Goal and Red Card Define the Finish
Equatorial Guinea took the lead in the 85th minute through Marvin Jose Neto Obang, despite playing with ten men from the 50th after Pablo Ngoma's dismissal.
Burkina Faso's Miracle at the Death
Burkina Faso pressed their late chances: Giorgi Vitinho equalized at 90+5 and Edmond Tapsoba struck the winner at 90+8, flipping the result on its head.
The ending echoed a famous 1999 final when Manchester United stunned Bayern Munich with late goals, turning a potential defeat into a legendary triumph.
With this victory, Burkina Faso claim three points in Group D, which also includes Sudan and Algeria, signaling a thrilling group phase ahead.
Punchline 1: If minutes could be invested, they just bought a prime-time slot for a 3-2 nobody saw coming.
Punchline 2: That finish was so sharp it could cut time—no need for extra innings, just extra drama in stoppage time.
