Traore heroics save Burkina Faso

A last-gasp goal from substitute Alain Traore gave Burkina Faso a surprising 1-1 draw against 10-man Nigeria on Monday in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Two-time champions Nigeria had controlled the Group C game from the 23^rd minute, when Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike poked home a clever backheel volley from Brown Ideye, but had victory nicked from under their nose in the final play of the game.

Nigeria defender Efe Ambrose was sent off in the 74th minute for a second yellow card, but Burkina Faso lacked the creativity to break their opponent down until Traore capitalised on a slip by defender Godfrey Oboabona in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Victor Moses was left out by Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi because of a slight hamstring strain, but his Chelsea teammate John Obi Mikel put in a solid performance and was named man of the match.

Aside from Traore’s unexpected strike, which came as Nigeria sat back and waited for the final whistle, only striker Moumouni Dagano was able to trouble Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

But Nigeria were ultimately penalised for a lack of ambition after taking the lead, creating just one good chance in the second half when substitute Ikechukwu Uche cut inside from the left wing and blazed over the crossbar.

The Super Eagles then paid when Oboabona failed to make contact with an attempted clearance and Traore side footed home.

The result leaves all four teams in Group C with a point after Zambia were held to a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia in the earlier game.