Bertrand Traore scored a 96th-minute penalty to help Burkina Faso secure a 1-0 win over Mauritania in their Africa Cup of Nations opener in Group D.

Before Issa Kabore was knocked down in the box four minutes into stoppage time by a challenge from Mauritania defender Nouh El Abd, the game in Bouake appeared to end in a goalless draw.

After the Moroccan referee was called over to examine the tackle on the pitch-side monitor, he awarded a spot-kick. Traore, who has only made six appearances for Aston Villa this season, sent the custodian the wrong way.

The outcome puts the Stallions, who finished second in the 2013 AFCON, at the top of Group D following a 1-1 draw between rivals Algeria and Angola on Monday.

Burkina Faso’s next match is scheduled for this Saturday in Bouake against Algeria.

Mauritania is making their third straight appearance at the Cup of Nations, but they have yet to win the competition in seven outings.

Photo by Nour Aknajja/BackpagePix