The 2013 runner-up Burkina Faso and host Equatorial Guinea played to a goalless draw, leaving both sides looking for victories in the final round of group matches to advance further in the 16-team competition.
Burkina Faso is left with just one point from two games and seemingly out of luck after Alain Traore twice saw first half efforts strike the woodwork.
The home side offered little in attack until after the break when Javier Balboa embarked on a brilliant solo run and set up Ellong Viera to shoot wastefully over the crossbar.
Home coach Esteban Becker was delighted with his side’s display and a second point earned in the finals.
“I’m not just satisfied, I’m very satisfied. I’m very proud of this young team, which is 100 percent Equatoguinean and everyone wants to defend the country’s colors,” the Argentine told AFP.
“Burkina Faso are very strong opponents. They have eight players who play in the French league and we are like ants compared to them,” he added.
Burkina Faso coach Paul Put rued the missed chances.”Our problem is finishing, I can’t understand. We created lots of chances. Equatorial Guinea did not have as many,” he said.