Burkina Faso escape red card for 'studs in genitals' tackle 40 seconds into first game of AFCON

Les Etalons (The Stallions) met tournament hosts Cameroon in the first match of the competition, which got off to a dramatic start.

Just 40 seconds into the match, Burkina Faso's Steeve Yago went flying into a remarkable challenge.

With his studs in the air, Yago made contact with the genitals of Cameroon's Martin Hongla, who cried out in pain.

Hongla fell to the floor and the referee instantly blew for a foul.

Somewhat surprisingly though, he only produced a yellow card for the challenge.

Not long later, Yago was dancing as Burkina Faso broke the deadlock on 24 minutes.

Gustavo Sangare's well-struck volley put the visitors 1-0 up, yet their lead did not last.

Five minutes before half-time, Vincent Aboubakar levelled from the penalty spot after VAR awarded Cameroon a penalty following more reckless defending from Burkina Faso.

And in added time at the end of the first 45, Aboubakar netted again from 12 yards.

This time VAR was not needed as yet another clumsy Burkina Faso tackle saw a clear penalty awarded.

As a result, the hosts went in a goal ahead at the break.

There were no further goals in the second half and the match ended 2-1 to Cameroon.