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Burkina Faso 0-1 Zimbabwe
MASIMBA Mambare’s solitary strike helped Zimbabwe to progress to the quarter-finals of the Orange African Nations Championship at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town last night.
Dynamos bound Mambare struck in the 56th minute to justify his inclusion in the starting line up after sitting it out in the opening two matches – draws against Morocco and Uganda.
The win secured the Warriors a place in the knockout stages alongside Mali, Nigeria and Morocco.
Zimbabwe will take on Mali in the quarter-finals.
Southern Africa’s hopes were pinned on Zimbabwe with South Africa and Mozambique knocked out after failing to progress from Group A.
Bassirou Ouedraogo continued up front for the Stallions while exciting youngster Eric Traore started on the right side of midfield.
Simba Sithole spearheaded Zimbabwe’s attack, with the notable Peter Moyo occupying the playmaker role.
Zimbabwe seemed to take well to the windy conditions which welcomed the players out on the pitch, as they looked threatening from the onset.
First Mohamed Kabore was forced into a fine stop from a powerful freekick from range in the fifth minute by Danny “Deco” Phiri of Bantu Rovers who is on loan at Chicken Inn before Peter Moyo sent a thundering effort high and wide later.
The Warriors continued to look more dangerous, but the Stallions’ defence held firm, much to the frustration of the strong Zimbabwe followers who had gathered on the terraces.
Burkina Faso’s first chance fell to the feet of Ouedraogo who shot just wide from close range in the 24th minute.
The game started to tighten up as the half drew on, with the Stallions to their credit, starting to look the more likely to open the scoring.
Alassane Sango forced George Chigova into a good save in the 41st minute, the Warriors shot stopper who was yet to concede a goal in the tournament leading up to the game, directed Sango’s effort away from danger with distinction.
It was goalless at the break.
But Athlone Stadium erupted in the 56th minute. Kabore seemed to have a hopeful ball from the left flank covered, but Mambare who has left Bulawayo giants for Dynamos snuck infront of the Stallions goalkeeper before nodding in from close range to make it 1-0.
It was third time luck for the Warriors who had on two previous occasions failed to go beyond the first round.
Zimbabwe continued to look dangerous, especially on the counter, the Stallions though still posed a threat but when they did manage a shot at goal the impressive Chigova was up to the task in goal.
Kudakwashe Mahachi nearly made it 2-0 with a first time volley that Kabore expertly saved.
The Warriors held on to book their place in the knockout stage alongside Morocco who beat Uganda 3-1 in another Group B encounter.
Teams
Burkina Faso: M Kabore, Sango Dayo, Kone, Gouo, To (Sanou 73rd minute), Zoungrana, S Traore (Tiendrebeogo 78th minute), Y Kabore, E Traore, Ouedraogo
Zimbabwe: Chigova; Zvirekwi, Ncube, Jaure, Chipeta, Phiri, Mambare, C Sibanda (Muparati 71th minute), P Moyo (O Machapa 90th minute), K Mahachi, S Sithole, How Mine (S Sithole, Dynamos 60th minute) – SuperSport/Sports Editor
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