Republic of Congo advances to African Cup quarterfinals

EBEBIYIN, Equatorial Guinea (AP) - The Republic of Congo advanced to the quarterfinals at the African Cup of Nations after beating Burkina Faso 2-1 Sunday.

Fabrice N'Guessi scored the winning goal with a header in the 87th minute following a free kick that was first touched by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Germain Sanou.

The goal came about a minute after Aristide Bance had equalized for the 2013 African Cup finalists.

Thievy Bifouma scored in the 51st minute, finishing off a cross from Ferebory Dore, to give Congo the earlier lead.

The win gives Congo seven points and first place in Group A. The Congolese will next face the second-place team in Group B on Saturday in Bata.

In the other group match, host Equatorial Guinea beat Gabon 2-0 to also advance to the quarterfinals.