Football: Nigeria, Burkina Faso to meet in African Cup final
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Nigeria players celebrate their victory over Mali, in their African Nations Cup semi-final football match, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa on Wednesday, Feb 6, 2013. Nigeria closed in on their first title in nearly two decades by easily advancing to the final of the African Nations Cup on Wednesday, setting up a matchup with a surprising Burkina Faso team looking to lift the trophy for the first time. -- PHOTO: AP
DURBAN, South Africa (AP) - Nigeria closed in on their first title in nearly two decades by easily advancing to the final of the African Nations Cup on Wednesday, setting up a matchup with a surprising Burkina Faso team looking to lift the trophy for the first time.
Nigeria cruised to a 4-1 victory over Mali in Durban to reach the final for the first time in more than a decade, while Burkina Faso needed extra time and a penalty shootout to get past favourite Ghana in Nelspruit.
Burkina Faso won 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation, making it to the final for the first time.
"Surprises are always there," Burkina Faso coach Paul Put said. "Maybe this time is our time."
