Angola and Burkina Faso settled for a goalless draw in their 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) Group D opening match on Tuesday.
The Stallions dominated possession in the early stages of the game and Somgogma Hermann Nikiema forced Angola goalkeeper Landu into a good save.
As the match progressed, Angola took control of the encounter and they had a good chance to break the deadlock at the Stade Adrar in Morocco.
However, Burkina Faso goalkeeper Aboubacar Sowadogo was alert and he produced a fine low save to deny Angola forward Va.
Paty, the Angola forward, also had a chance to score just after the half-hour mark as Palancas Negras pushed for the opening goal.
However, his effort was blocked in the box by the Stallions defence and Herenilson pounced onto the rebound, but his attempt was also blocked.
The Stallions then stood firm at the back until Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa blew the halftime whistle.
The Palancas Negras continued their dominance after the restart and they came close to scoring in the 54th minute following a good move.
Paty tried to beat Sowadogo at the near-post, but the Burkina Faso keeper pulled off a great low save to deny the diminutive Angolan forward.
Pressure mounted on the Stallions defence and Job tried his luck from range in the 68th minute, but Sowadogo was well positioned to make a save.
Issouf Kabore was presented with a glorious opportunity to snatch a late winning goal for Burkina Faso in the closing stages of the game.
However, Kabore somehow managed to placed his effort wide of the target after finding himself in a one-on-one situation with Landu.
Ultimately, Angola and Burkina Faso settled for a goalless draw.
Line-ups:
Angola: Landu, Wilson, Mira, Nary, To Carniero, Paty, Herenilson, Almeida, Job/79’ Mano, Fofo/ 90+3’ Caporal, Va/88’ Chilo
Burkina Faso: Sowadogo, Beau, Sou, Ouattara, Nikiema/50’ Nouma, Kompaore, Kabore/85’ Siry, Guiro, Zondo/77’ Sory, Boni, Bande.
Watch highlights below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZr7hStxAR0
