OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso and Benin played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday evening.
Both sides converted penalties in an evenly contested Group F encounter at the Stade du 4 Août, leaving them with one point apiece from their first match of the campaign.
Lassina Traoré gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot in the 20th minute, converting calmly after Burkina Faso were awarded a spot-kick. The early goal put the Stallions in a strong position and allowed them to control large spells of the first half.
Benin remained competitive and continued to push forward after the interval. Their persistence was rewarded in the 68th minute when Tosin Aiyegun levelled the scores from the penalty spot, ensuring the visitors left with a share of the points.
The remainder of the match remained tightly contested, with both teams creating opportunities but unable to find a decisive winner. Burkina Faso enjoyed more possession, while Benin threatened on the counter-attack and looked dangerous from set pieces.
The result reflects the competitive nature of the group and leaves both sides with work to do as the qualifying campaign continues. Burkina Faso will look to convert their home dominance into victories in future matches, while Benin can take encouragement from earning a valuable away point against a traditionally strong opponent.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. With only the top teams from each group progressing, every point will prove important as the qualifiers unfold over the coming international windows.
Both Burkina Faso and Benin will now prepare for their next fixtures as they continue their bids to reach the continental finals.
