Zimbabwe are through to the quarterfinals of the 2014 Africa Nations Championship having beaten Burkina Faso 1-0 thanks to Masimba Mambareââ¬â¢s second half headed goal.
Played in gusty conditions at the Athlone Stadium it was Zimbabwe who created the better chances throughout the game and to the pleasure of several thousand Zimbabwe fans inside the ground.
As early as the 5thà minute Mohamed Kabore had to make a save frpom a Zimbabwe free kick. This, after Zimbabwe dangerman Kuda Mahachi had drawn a foul out of an opponent.
Eight minutes later Peter Moyo let rip with a long range drive from the centre of the field, but the ball was always flying over the crossbar.
In the 24thà minute Burkina Faso fashioned their first effort on goal when Ouédraogo connected first time at the near post, but his volley was wide of the upright.
With five minutes to go until the interval, George Chigova was called into making a save from Yousseff Kaboreââ¬â¢s free kick.
Zimbabwe took the lead after 56 minutes through a very good header by Masimba Mambare. After a delightful cross from the left flank, Mambare rtimed his jump expertly to head home as the Burkina Faso goalkeeper could not get his hand to the cross first.
A few minutes later Peter Moyo should have made it 2-0 when he volleyed over the bar from a good position.
Zimbabwe can thank goalkeeper George Chigova for making a few telling saves midway through the second half to keep Burkina Faso at bay.
In the dying moments Kuda Mahachi nearly made it 2-0 for Zimbabwe when his powerful volley was expertly saved by Kabore.