Burkina Faso recorded a gruelling 7-6 penalty shootout win over Gabon to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw.
The two sides met at the start of the year in a warm-up match which Burkina Faso won comfortably, 3-0, and they went ahead when Bertrand Traore grabbed the first goal.
The Villa forward missed a penalty after Sidney Obissa’s heavy tackle in the box, but minutes later converted a much harder charge when he sized up a one-on-one with Jean-Noel Amonome, clipping the ball around him outside the box.
In the second half, Gabon struggled for rhythm and they had what looked to be a good penalty claim turned down for a foul on Guelor Kanga from a defensive error.
Issouf Outtara was then pulled back by Obissa, just outside the box, reducing the trailing side to 10 men and making their task all the harder.
Both sides faded as the game became ragged from the sheer fatigue, until Bruno Ecuele Manga popped up with a late header, deflected in by Adama Guira, to force extra time.
Edmond Tapsoba thought he had an extra-time winner but his effort was disallowed for his earlier offside, and after 18 penalties, Ismahila Ouedraogo scored to win the game for his country.
