Angola seals top spot with victory over Burkina Faso
Angola sealed top spot in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso in Yamoussoukro.
Goals from Mabululu and Zini wrapped up victory for Angola but its opponent still progressed in second place after Mauritania’s shock win over Algeria.
Burkina Faso came into the game with plenty to prove after conceding a stoppage-time goal in a 2-2 draw against Algeria in its previous match.
But it was Angola that had the better of the opening stages, and the Egypt-based Mabululu opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a fine header from Fredy Ribeiro’s right-wing free-kick.
Burkina Faso responded well and came close to an equaliser in the second half when Dango Ouattara forced a good save out of Neblu in the Angola goal.
But Pedro Goncalves’ side managed to retain the upper hand and confirmed its victory in time added on when when Jeremie Bela’s initial effort was fumbled by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi, and Zini was on hand to make fire home a second.
Angola’s win means ot will progress to play a third-placed team in Bouake in the Round of 16.