AFCON 2017: Tunisia knocked out by Burkina Faso

After an impressive victory against Zimbabwe in the last day of the Africa Cup of Nations group stages, Tunisia arrived to the quarter-final of the competition. Tough Burkina Faso was waiting for them at the Stade d'Angondjé in Libreville.

The match kicked off in an aggressive style of play by both teams. Tunisia attempted to find the left side of Burkina Faso’s defence unprepared, but the Stallions’ defenders were ready and organised well.

On the 13^th minute Burkina Faso missed a brilliant chance for goal when Naklouma found himself alone in front of the keeper Mathlouthi, but he sent the ball to the sky.

Burkina Faso almost scored again with an impressive attack from the right flank, combining Bertrand Traore and Naklouma, but Bayala missed by inches as the ball glazed the crossbar.

Tunisia found its own chance on the 30^th minute, after a nice trick in a free kick from Khazri to Khenissi, but the shot by the Esperance de Tunis player went out.

Moments later, Sliti’s corner made wreaked havoc in the Burkina Faso’s box, and Yaakoubi almost scored but missed the ball by half a second.

The first half ended with no goals, but Burkina Faso were the more dominant team.

Tunisia opened the second half with a lightening fast attack as Khenissi tried to score with a header after a nice move from Mskani, but keeper Koffi stopped it easily.

Burkina Faso won a free kick from 25 metres, but Dayo bombed way out and wasted a golden chance.

The Burkina Faso attack almost found their goal, but Bakary Kone wasn’t accurate with a header after a set piece.

Ten minutes from the final whistle, Burkina Faso won another free kick on the edge of the box. A beautiful trick ended in an impressive goal by Aristide Bance, who entered the match just five minutes before, after he replaced Bayala. 1-0 to Burkina Faso, and the whole stadium was shocked.

Three minutes later, and it was already 2-0. The stallions went for a quick counter attack, goalie Mathoulthi went out of his goal and Naklouma passed by him easily, and ran all the way and scored the second. Tunisia collapsed totally, and Burkina Faso’s players were celebrating like crazy.

The Tunisian journey in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations came to an end after a surprisingly good group stage phase. Burkina Faso was much more determined, accurate and lethal.

In any case, reaching the quarter-finals was the main goal of the Tunisian team, and any further achievement was a bonus.

Uri Levy runs the popular football blog BabaGol, which covers football and politics focusing on the Middle East. Follow him on Twitter, and read his blog here.