AFCON2012 Sudan seal historic quarter final berth

Sudan reached a historic quarter final at the Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso on Monday at the Estadio de Bata.

 

Striker Mudathir Eltaib scored in each half to ensure the Desert Hawks reached the knockout stage for the first time since 1970. The qualification was made certain after Cote d’Ivoire beat Angola 2-0 in the other Group B encounter in Malabo.

 

Sudan edged Angola via the head-to-head rule after both teams finished on four points apiece, with the Ivorians leading the pack on seven points and Burkina Faso at the bottom pointless.

 

The Burkinabes were very offensive throughout the game but failed to hit the back of the net as yet again they paid the price for sluggishness at the rear.

 

The Stallions unsettled their opponents with Jonathan Pitroipa and Moumouni Dagano leading the onslaughts from the onset. The Sudanese were given no breather but managed to break the deadlock on 33 minutes.

 

Eltaib nicknamed after Brazilain star “Careca” scored the opener after dispossessing Burkina Faso defender Gnanou Ibrahim at the edge of the penalty area before firing beyond the reach of goalkeeper Diakite Daouda.

 

Just before half-time, Burkina Faso were unlucky after Dagano’s glancing header from Narcisse Yameogo cross missed narrowly.

 

The Stallions resumed with the same power but lacked the cutting edge upfront. Burkina coach Paulo Duarte brought on youngster Bertrand Traore and the 16-year old showed glimpses of what he is made of by running down the Sudanese defence.

 

After playing so well, Burkina Faso goalie Diakite let his side down with a blunder that allowed Eltaieb to profit a loose ball before firing into the yawning for crucial second goal on 79 minutes.

 

Burkina Faso multiplied and got a consolation through Issiaka Ouedraogio in added on time but it was little late.