Burkina Faso defeated Gabon 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 match at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium in Cameroon on Sunday night.
As a result, the Stallions progress to the quarter-finals, while the Panthers crash out of the competition.
Burkina Faso made their intentions clear from the onset when Gustavo Sangare picked out Bertrand Traore in the area but the defender mistimed his header.
Andre Biyogo Poko proved to be a bright spark down the flank for Gabon and linked up with winger, Guelor Kanga, on a couple of occasions.
The Stallions nearly opened the scoring in the 18th minute but Traore missed to convert a penalty after Sidney Obissa brought down Hassan Bande in the area.
Johann Obiang then went close in the 21st minute, as he weaved his way into the box before firing a low effort just wide of the mark.
Burkina Faso went ahead on the 28th minute, when Bertrand Traoré collected a through ball from Dango Ouattara following a fast break before placing the ball past advancing Gabon goalkeeper Jean Amonome.
Gabon retained momentum inside 31 minutes after Guelor Kanga whizzed through the area to get a shot away but he was thwarted by Herve Koffi.
Patrice Neveu’s side continued to waste chances as the half drew to a close, this time Ecuele Manga heading over from 10-yards in the 43rd minute.
Steve Yago had a glorious chance four minutes after the break, to extend the Stallions advantage but he blasted his shot over the bar from close range.
Gabon suffered a blow on the 62nd minute as they were reduced to 10 players after Sidney Obisa was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.
Traore almost got his second goal of the match with another header inside the box at close range, but Llyod Palun somehow managed to make a block with his chest.
Blati Trore was sent clear on goal on the 75th minute and slotted a left footed shot past Amonom, but he was flagged for offside.
Burkina Faso almost extended their lead their lead on the 86th minute from a quick counter-attack after Traore found himself with space in the box but his goal-bound shot was brilliantly saved by Amonome with his right leg.
However, Adama Guira scored an own goal on the closing minutes of the game to give Gabon a chance and take the game to extra time.
Burkina Faso went on to win 7-6 on penalties after Lloyd Palun spot-kick hit the bar.
How they lined-up:
Burkina Faso: Herve Koffi – Issa Kabore, Issoufou Dayo, Edmond Tapsoba, Steve Yago – Adam Guira, Blati Toure (Ismael Ouedraogo 114), Bertrand Traore (Mohamed Konate 82), Gustavo Sangare (Saidou Simpore 82), Dango Ouattara (Abdoul Fessal Tapsoba 90) – Hassan Bande (Zakaria Sanogo 74)
Gabon: Jean Amonome – Sidney Obissa, Ecuele Manga, Llyod Palun – Johann Obiang (Yannis N’Gakoutou 85), Andre Biyogo Poko, Alex Moussounda (Louis Ameka Autchanga 46), Anthony Oyono (Axel Meye 50)- Guelor Kanga, Aaron Boupendza, Jim Allevinah (Denis Bouanga 50)
