Compiled by Ranjika Perera

Burkina Faso won a thriller against Gabon to reach the AFCON quarter-finals

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) soccer highlights of the week - three-time African champions Nigeria were fancied to go deep in the competition after impressing under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen against Egypt, Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau.

Tunisia, meanwhile, had lost twice in the group stage - including to debutants Gambia, and were without Coach Mondher Kebaier and a host of players after positive tests for coronavirus.

Influential Captain Wahbi Khazri was only fit enough to take his place among the substitutes but the North Africans had the best chance in the first half in Garoua, as defender Montassar Talbi had an effort cleared off the line. Nigeria offered little in reply as Wilfred Ndidi sent a bicycle kick wide and Joe Aribo had a shot blocked behind.

Burkina Faso beat 10-man Gabon

Msakni caught out Okoye, who has signed for Watford but is on loan at Sparta Rotterdam, with a low effort from almost 30 yards to break the deadlock soon after the restart. The shot went past two Nigeria defenders before swerving and bouncing in front of Okoye, who got his outstretched left hand to the ball but could not keep the strike out.

Burkina Faso beat 10-man Gabon on penalties to reach the quarter-finals at the AFCON in Cameroon following a 1-1 draw.

Ismahila Ouedraogo netted to give the Stallions a 7-6 win in the shoot-out. Gabon had Sidney Obissa sent off midway through the second half but grabbed an injury-time equaliser when Bruno Ecuele Manga’s header went in off Adama Guira.

Stallions to meet Tunisia

Burkina Faso Captain Bertrand Traore had missed a penalty before slotting in the opener in the 28th minute. The Stallions will meet Tunisia, who beat Nigeria 1-0 later on Sunday (23), in the last eight on Saturday, 29 January.

A mammoth shoot-out had seen Herve Koffi save from Gabon midfielder Guelor Kanga and Saidou Simpore immediately send his effort over the bar in the fourth round of penalties.