U20 AFCON QUALIFIERS: 10-man Cote d’Ivoire pip Burkina Faso to throw Flying Eagles Group B wide open

Today, Cote d’Ivoire even with a man short fought to beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the WAFU B U20 AFCON in Togo to leave Group B, which also has the Flying Eagles, wide open.

This result means that the Flying Eagles will now have to beat Cote d’Ivoire Thursday afternoon to stand any chance of reaching the semifinal of this qualifying tournament.

The Ivorians match winner was scored two minutes from full time.

In the first half, the Young Elephants from Cote d’Ivoire were the better team and created most of the chances.

However, poor finishing by the more enterprising Ivorians meant both teams went to the break on par at 0-0.

Burkina Faso were more energised after the interval.

They came out of their defensive shell and created two big chances in the 51^st and 57^th minutes, but on both occasions they failed to break the deadlock.

Cote d’Ivoire were reduced to 10 men in the 75^th minute when striker Konate was sent off for dangerous play.

Burkina Faso continued to threaten the Ivorian goal and had a clear-cut chance in the 83^rd minute but again they threw it away.

Then against the run of play, the Elephants struck late to leave this first round delicately poised.