Burkina Faso snatch late victory over Mauritania in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Burkina Faso scored in the closing minutes to beat Mauritania 1-0 on Friday, 13 November 2026, in the third round of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

The match appeared to be heading for a goalless draw before Elohim Kabore struck late to give the Stallions all three points. The result keeps Burkina Faso firmly in contention for a place at the tournament.

Mauritania arrived determined to take something from the game and made life difficult for their opponents. The two sides contested an even and intense encounter, with neither able to break the deadlock for most of the match.

Burkina Faso had to remain patient as Mauritania defended resolutely and continued to threaten a positive result. Their persistence eventually paid off when Kabore found the decisive goal as normal time was coming to an end.

The late breakthrough spared Burkina Faso the frustration of dropping points and condemned Mauritania to a painful defeat after resisting for almost the entire contest.

The narrow victory takes Burkina Faso to seven points from three matches and leaves them second in Group F. They remain behind leaders Benin while strengthening their position in the race to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Stallions will now look to maintain that momentum in their remaining fixtures.