Brought on in the 84th minute, 19-year-old forward Elohim Kaboré scored the winning goal for Burkina Faso against Mauritania (1-0), from an Arsène Kouassi pass. Head coach Amir Abdou has managed Mauritania in the past.
The Stade du 4-Août had to wait until 90+4 to erupt. After a first half that ended goalless (0-0), Burkina Faso, who had dominated without finding a way through, eventually beat Mauritania on matchday 3 of Group F.
With this win, the Stallions have 7 points, level with Benin at the top of the group. The decisive goal came from Elohim Kaboré, whose shot and Arsène Kouassi’s pass made the difference in stoppage time.
A suspenseful script
Burkina Faso piled up chances without managing to score until the final quarter of an hour. It took until the closing minutes to see 19-year-old Elohim Kaboré, brought on in the 84th minute, settle the match from an Arsène Kouassi delivery.
Head coach Amir Abdou summed up the win soberly: “The important thing is that we won,” he told Pan Africa Football.
Amir Abdou, between two loyalties
For Amir Abdou, this match had a special flavour. “It’s special because I know everyone. But you know, I’m Burkinabè now, so I’m very proud of what we did tonight,” he told Pan Africa Football. The coach, who has managed Mauritania in the past, was therefore up against a team he knows well.
He also addressed the absence of Cyriaque Irié, injured and unavailable for this match. “There were players missing, like Cyriaque Irié who was injured last night. That hurt me,” he added.
Focus on the return leg
With 7 points, Burkina Faso share top spot in Group F with Benin. The return match, Mauritania – Burkina Faso, is scheduled for 17 November 2026 at 03:00.
Elohim Kaboré’s goal, after coming on in the 84th minute, was the only one of the match.