Angola defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 on Tuesday to take first place in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Goals came from attacker Mabululu in the first half and Zini in stoppage time.

Burkina Faso finished in second place with four points, behind Angola’s seven points.

As another of the surprises that have defined the campaign, Mauritania finished third with three points following their shock victory over Algeria, which knocked out the top seeds from the tournament in the Ivory Coast.

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Mabululu scored his second goal of the tournament in the 36th minute at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium after Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore failed to clear a free kick from Angola captain Fredy.

The striker scored at the near post.

He had also netted in their first game, a 1-1 draw with Algeria.

After Burkina goalkeeper Herve Koffi parried Jeremie Bela’s shot at the beginning of stoppage time, substitute Zini scored by reacting fastest.

Burkina Faso, led by Dango Ouattara of Bournemouth, who was making his comeback to the team, appeared to be winning the lethargic match, but they had little opportunities and were unable to penetrate the resolute Angolan defence.

After 26 minutes, Isaa Kabore, who was racing down the right side, had a fantastic chance but missed, while Traore’s attempt in the 70th minute was stopped.

Burkina continued to apply pressure, and in stoppage time, Djibril Ouattara nearly scored from a corner, but Zini doubled Angola’s lead.

Angola has only won their opening round group twice in their nine finals appearances.

The other occasion was when they hosted the competition in 2010 only to lose in the first round of eliminations.

Angola will play in the last-16 on Saturday in Bouake against one of the top three finishers, whose exact matchup is still up in the air.

Burkina Faso will play the winner of Group E on Wednesday.