Hearts and Rangers stars involved in AFCON drama

Burkina Faso dominated the first-half of the opening Group E encounter at the Stade Mohammed V, with Hearts hitman Kabore picked from the start and Rangers centre-half Djiga named on the bench. Sunderland’s Bertrand Traore and Brentford’s Dango Ouattara caused problems down the flanks, but ultimately had nothing to show for their efforts at the break.

Equatorial Guinea’s problems mounted within five minutes of the restart when defender Basilio Ndong was dismissed after a review of his clumsy challenge on skipper Traore, and keeper Jesus Owono had to save from Ouattara after he had been played in by Gustavo Sangare.

Kabore then missed from close range on what was a frustrating afternoon in Casablanca for the 24-year-old, who has scored two hat-tricks this year for his country. He was replaced on 70 minutes.

Substitute Lassina Traore had a 71st-minute strike ruled out for offside as Burkina Faso piled on the pressure, but Marvin Anieboh put the National Thunder ahead against the run of play with a firm header from skipper Carlos Akapo’s 85th-minute corner.

However, there was a sting in the tail when substitute Georgi Minoungou levelled five minutes into added time after Ouattara had carved his way into the box, and then Bayer Leverkusen defender Tapsoba headed home the winner three minutes later after Owono had palmed away Cyriaque Irie’s cross.

Burkina Faso are back in action on Sunday when they take on one of the tournament favourites Algeria in Rabat.