Zongo (in red) scored Burkina Faso's goal

The west Africans, who beat Panama in their opening game on Friday, scored the lone goal of the tie through Ousseni Zongo in the sixth minute.

Burkina Faso now top Group A and a point in their last match against hosts UAE will be enough to earn their passage to the knockout stage.

But Mali's chances of getting past the tournament's preliminary round were dented by a 2-0 defeat by Spain in Sharjah.

After a win over Uzbekistan in their opening tie on Friday, Mali looked flat and uninspired against the Spainards, who led 1-0 at half-time.

Poor marking saw Juanfran score with a header in the 17th minute, just three minutes after Souleyman Dembele had missed a good chance for Mali.

Spain grabbed their second goal in the 75th minute, when Sergio Garcia scored from the penalty spot.

The kick had to be retaken after Mali's players had enroached on the original effort.

Mali's woes continued when Moussa Bagayoko was sent off after picking up a second caution just minutes after the goal.

He will miss the last game against Argentina on Thursday which Mali must win to have any realistic chance of progress.