Video Assistant Refereepublished at 32 mins

32 mins

Burkina Faso 0-0 Senegal

VAR is still taking a look at this penalty decision and the referee is heading over to the pitchside monitor as Cheikhou Kouyate is taken off on a stretcher.

There's a long wait for this penalty because Cheikhou Kouyate is needing treatment after getting clattered there.

Dean Furman
Former South Africa midfielder on BBC Two

He had no reason to get involved there. The defender seemed to have it under control. He came a long way out and the timing is all wrong. A poor, poor challenge.

Herve Koffi comes charging off his line to meet a high ball into the box and he clatters into Cheikhou Kouyate. The referee has no hesitation in pointing to the spot!

Senegal keep up the pressure as Bamba Dieng sends a header wide of the upright.

Again, the danger came from down the left with Saliou Ciss sending the cross in.

A Senegal corner is met at the far side of the box by Famara Diedhiou, whose first-time shot goes through a crowd and towards goal but is cleared off the line by Edmond Tapsoba.

Another good break by Burkina Faso as a cross from the right almost gets through to Bertrand Traore but it is cleared behind for a corner.

The set piece comes to nothing but they've had some dangerous moments have Burkina Faso. A very decent opening 20 minutes.

Nick Cavell
BBC Africa Sport

A total of seven of Burkina Faso's team would miss the final if they pick up a booking today.

Cheikhou Kouyate's cross from the right almost catches out the goalkeeper as it floats towards goal but Herve Koffi gets back onto his line to make the catch.

Burkina Faso then break as Bertrand Traore gets into the Senegal area but his shot has the sting taken out of it.

Opening up a bit now.

Dean Furman
Former South Africa midfielder on BBC Two

I expect Burkina Faso to play with no fear here tonight, All the pressure is on Senegal to dominate the game. It is a great mindset for them. They can really go and enjoy themselves.

Senegal are having some real joy down the left with Saliou Ciss and Sadio Mane causing plenty of problems. That's looking the most likely area where a goal is going to come from for them at the moment.

Burkina Faso will be happy with their start, however. Their goalkeeper hasn't had anything really to worry about yet.

Sulaimon Adelekan: There is going to a very physical contest. The team that takes their chances will be in the final come Sunday and i want that to be Senegal and Cameroon as a neutral.

Image source, Getty Images

Good moment for Senegal as Saliou Ciss cuts in from the left and sweeps a low effort just wide of the far post.

Closest we've come so far.

Dean Furman
Former South Africa midfielder on BBC Three

Two opportunities for Senegal from set-pieces in these early stages, but two really poor deliveries. It is something they really need to improve on.

It isn't the best of deliveries from the corner and Bertrand Traore heads away at the near post and the danger is dealt with for Burkina Faso.

After going off on a stretcher Nampalys Mendy has recovered from that clash of heads and is back on the pitch as Famara Diedhiou wins Senegal a corner.

Full-back Steeve Yago breaks down the flank, skips a challenge before feeding Bertrand Traore, whose shot from the edge of the area is charged down.

Nampalys Mendy is taken off on a stretcher and that doesn't look good for the Leicester midfielder.

On the pitch, Sadio Mane wins a free kick on the left but it comes to nothing.

Nick Cavell
BBC Africa Sport

We heard that clash between Nampalys Mendy and Cyrille Byala in the media stand on the other side of the pitch.

No one here can quite believe they have both carried on.

Ouch.

There's a nasty clash of heads as Nampalys Mendy and Cyrille Bayala clash as they both go for the ball. Completely accidental but both are down and in pain.