AFCON: Traoré and Kouassi fire Burkina Faso to Group E runners-up spot as Sudan also progress

Burkina Faso sealed second place in Group E at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a controlled victory over Sudan in Casablanca, while the Falcons of Jediane also advanced to the knockout stage as one of the four best third-placed teams, Sport360NG reports.

With both teams already guaranteed passage to the last 16 behind group winners Algeria, the encounter took on a measured tone, prompting rotation from both coaches ahead of the knockout phase.

The Stallions took the lead in the 16th minute when Lassina Traoré rose unchallenged six yards out to head home a deft chipped delivery from Stéphane Aziz Ki.

Sudan were handed a golden opportunity to draw level midway through the first half, but Al Gozoli Nooh sent his penalty wide after being fouled by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Hervé Koffi.

Burkina Faso wrapped up the points five minutes from time as left-back Arsène Kouassi timed his run perfectly to meet Dango Ouattara’s incisive through ball, finishing calmly inside the left post.

The result sets up a daunting last-16 assignment for Sudan, who travel to Tangier to face 2021 champions Senegal on Saturday, 3 January (16:00 GMT). Burkina Faso, meanwhile, will take on the winners of Group F, with Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique all in contention, in Marrakesh on Tuesday, 6 January (19:00 GMT), with their opponents confirmed when the group stage concludes later on Wednesday.

Despite making seven changes, Burkina Faso bounced back from their narrow defeat to Algeria, though coach Brama Touré may be concerned about the condition of first-choice goalkeeper Koffi, who was withdrawn at half-time after treatment to his right thigh.

Sudan’s progression to the knockout rounds, their first since 2012, had already been secured earlier in the day following their 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea and favourable results elsewhere. The achievement carries added significance amid the ongoing civil conflict in the country, with head coach James Kwesi Appiah previously speaking of his desire to lift spirits back home.

However, the Sudanese support in Casablanca were left frustrated by Nooh’s missed penalty, and further chances went begging as Aamir Abdallah fired narrowly wide and later forced a save from substitute goalkeeper Kilian Nikiema.

Ouattara’s late involvement ultimately ensured Burkina Faso finished the group strongly, though both sides now face the prospect of meeting former champions as the tournament moves into its decisive phase.