Zimbabwe became the first country to exit the African Nations Championship after losing a second game at the tournament in Cameroon when Burkina Faso beat them 3-1 in Yaounde on Wednesday.

It followed their opening day defeat against hosts and leaves them unable to finish in the top two in Group A, even with a last game against Mali to come on Sunday.

Issouf Sosso put Burkina Faso the lead after 14 minutes with a low shot that beat Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinani as they revived their hopes of reaching the quarter finals.

They had lost to Mali in their opening group match.

Zimbabwe roared back into the game in the 23rd minute making it 1-1 with a well-worked goal by veteran defender Partson Jaure after several passes in the box.

But in the second half, Burkina Faso dominated proceedings and went back ahead when Claver Tiendrebeogo made it 2-1 after 53 minutes following a defensive howler by the Warriors.

Pawel Govere and Ian Nekato later had their shots blocked by the Burkina Faso goalkeeper Adama Sawadogo midway through the half before substitute Issiaka Quedraogo got his name on the score sheet to ensure an imposing win.

Burkina Faso are now in third place with three points while Cameroon and Mali, who played out to a 1-1 draw earlier in the day are tied on four points apiece.

Burkina Faso will play host play their last group game on Sunday at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde while will be played simultaneously with the group’s other game.

Mali will travel to Douala for their clash with Zimbabwe at the iconic Japoma Stadium in the group’s other match of the day.