By Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar (August 6^th 2025)

Group B Match Day 2

Burkina Faso bounced back in style from their opening round Group B defeat with a 4-2 win over the Central African Republic. After the goalkeeper flapped unconvincingly at a corner, Papus Naser Ouattara had the easy task of giving the Stalions the lead after 11 minutes, but four minutes later Sydney Chiffort Tchibinda equalised from a freekick just outside the area. Abdoul Abbas Guiro restored Burkina Faso’s lead from the penalty spot after a VAR review concluded that the challenge on Éléazar Ouattara deserved a penalty. A foul on Abdoul Karim Bagulan resulted in Patrick Malo extending their lead after 78 minutes, also from the penalty spot.

Bagulan put the Stalions 4-1 up after 84 minutes. After five minutes of added time Ange Zoumara scored a consolation goal to make the final score 4-2 after combining well with Nelson Ngaro.

Meanwhile Shomari Kapontbe left it late to preserve Tanzania’s winning record, scoring the winner after 89 minutes against Mauritania.