TheCable

Angola defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in their final Group D fixture of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro Stadium on Tuesday to advance into the knockout phase.

Job Mabululu and Zine were the goal scorers as Angola advanced to the last 16 for only the second time in their AFCON history.

Mabululu planted a header into the net from a free kick in the 37th minute before Zine tucked in from a rebound in added time.

The Palancas Negras finished with seven points to emerge unlikely group winners while Burkina Faso took second place with four points to also qualify as runners-up.

In the other match of the day, Mauritius piled more misery on Algeria with a 1-0 win that puts them on the brink of a first ever knockout phase qualification as one of four third-placed best losers.

Yali Dellahi’s close range strike following a poorly cleared corner kick did the damage.

Earlier, Cameroon scored in added time to record a 3-2 comeback victory to grab second spot in Group C and advance into the knockout round.

Christopher Wooh scored a brilliant header to send the Indomitable Lions into a round-of-16 clash with Nigeria, their eternal rivals.

Cameroon’s four points were matched by Guinea who lost 2-0 to Senegal but the Syli Nationals’ inferior goal difference means they might qualify as one of four best losers.

Senegal, on the other hand, continued the impressive defence of their AFCON title with a victory that sees them finish the group stage with the maximum nine points.

RESULTS

• Gabon 2-3 Cameroon
• Guinea 0-2 Senegal
• Angola 2-0 Burkina Faso
• Mauritania 1-0 Algeria