Day 7 of the Africa Cup of Nations had plenty of excitement to go around in Group C play.

With the entire table knotted at one point apiece following two draws in the opening leg of the tournament, Zambia and Nigeria got things jump-started today in what turned out to be a thrilling match for all.

With control of the Group C standings on the line Friday, much could be gained for any club that picked up a victory.

Here's how today's action played out.

Zambia and Nigeria Ends in Draw

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Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso on Jan. 21, the Nigeria team added another 1-1 draw to its Group C standing against Zambia on Friday.

Zambia—also coming off a 1-1 draw vs. Ethiopia—found itself down 1-0 on Friday following an Emmanuel Emenike score in the 57th minute (Emenike's second goal of the tournament).

Zambia could have very well seen itself fall down 2-0 had John Obi Mikel's penalty shot in the 24th minute not hit the post.

After a few missed attempts, it looked as if all hope was lost for Zambia until Emmanuel Mayuka was fouled in the 85th minute by Nosa Igiebor.

Following the foul, Kennedy Mweene deposited his penalty kick into the top corner of the goal, resulting in a draw for both sides.

Nigeria and Zambia now find themselves in the middle of the pack in the Group C standings.

Burkina Faso Over Ethiopia

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After a 4-0 win vs. Ethiopia, Burkina Faso is now in sole possession of the Group C standings.

Alain Traoré has been a beast for Burkina in the Africa Cup of Nation, compiling three goals in two games, including two in this match.

Traoré gave Burkina the lead going into half, as he found the back of the net in the 34th minute.

Then, in the 74th minute, Traoré scored what may be considered the best goal of the AfCoN thus far, ripping one from outside the box into the lower left corner of the net.

Djakaridja Kone added the third score for Burkina just five minutes after Traoré's second goal to assure Burkina of the win.

And on top of that, Jonathan Pitroipa grabbed Burkina's fourth goal of the match in its dominant rout of Ethiopia.

Burkina now holds the lead in the Group C standings, owning four points while Nigeria and Zambia sit at two and Ethiopia holds just one.

What's Next

Group C will get back to play on Tuesday, Jan. 29.

Nigeria vs. Ethiopia at 12 p.m. ET

Zambia vs. Burkina Faso at 12 p.m. ET

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