FIFA U-17 World Cup: Burkina Faso are One Game Away from Repeating History
Burkina Faso are through to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar after defeating Uganda 5-3 on penalties, following a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Young Etalons now stand just one step away from matching or even surpassing their historic World Cup achievement, and their spirited display against Uganda suggests they are far from done.
In a fiercely contested last-16 encounter, both sides showed immense discipline in a cagey first half that ended without a goal. But it was Uganda who struck first shortly after the restart. Arafat Nkoola fired home eleven minutes into the second half, crowning a bright spell of pressure and handing the East Africans a deserved lead.
Burkina Faso, determined to surpass their historic 2001 run where they finished third, responded with urgency. Their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Alassana Bagayogo swept in the equaliser, reigniting hopes of sealing a spot in the last 8.
With no provision for extra time at the U-17 level, the match headed straight to penalties—and it was the Burkinabe who held their nerve. They converted all five of their attempts, while Uganda’s Derick Ssozi was the only player to miss, giving Burkina Faso a 5-3 shootout victory.
The win books Burkina Faso a quarter-final clash with Italy, who earlier edged Uzbekistan 3-2 in another thrilling round-of-16 tie.
A win against Italy in quarter finals will mean that Burkina Faso will equal their best run in the competition and can even surpass that record in 2001 to finish either first or second.