Burkina Faso scored midway through extra time for a 1-0 win over Togo and a place in the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations on Sunday.
Jonathan Pitroipa was unmarked from a corner in the 105th minute to head past an out-of-position Kossi Agassa and in off the crossbar, taking the Burkinabes through to the last four for just the second time – and first since they hosted the tournament in 1998.
The goal settled a poor match on the rugged, sandy and much-criticised surface at Mbombela Stadium and ended the campaign of Emmanuel Adebayor’s Togo, which was playing in its first African Cup quarterfinal.
Burkina Faso plays Ghana back at Mbombela in Nelspruit in the semifinals.
Nigeria faces Mali in Wednesday’s other last-four encounter in Durban.
Adebayor had two of the best chances in regulation, but his header was cleared off the line in the 47th and he couldn’t beat Burkina Faso goalkeeper Daouda Diakite when clear on goal in the 78th.
Before this tournament, Burkina Faso had only made it out of the group stage once in seven appearances: in that run to the semis at home 15 years ago.
“It was a dream that came true,” Burkina Faso’s Belgian coach Paul Put said. “What can you say? We are very happy. We didn’t expect this result.” – AP
