AFCON U17: Burkina Faso edge Egypt to seal World Cup slot
Burkina Faso edged Egypt 2-1 on Thursday evening to book their place in the knockout stages and FIFA World Cup finals with a game to spare, registering their 2nd win in Group B.
They’re now officially the first African country to reserve a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup, in addition to securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
On Thursday night, the West Africans defeated an already injured Egypt 2-1 to secure their spot in the FIFA World Cup finals and the elimination rounds with one game remaining.
After a tense beginning to the match, Dabo’s goal in the 41st minute gave Burkina Faso the lead in the final minutes of the first half.
The North Africans charged forward after the half, but they were unable to overcome the Burkinabes’ well-organised back four.
In the 69th minute, Tabsoba extended his team’s lead with a goal, capping off yet another incredible effort.
Despite the second goal, the Egyptians persisted in their pursuit of the goal that would improve their confidence, which Belal Ateya’s score in the 78th minute provided.
The goal set up a very tense finish to the match, with Burkina Faso remaining determined with qualification in sight and Egypt desperately trying to equalise.
Burkina Faso won 2-1 in the end, making it two straight victories to move on to the next round and the FIFA World Cup with one game remaining against South Africa.
In what promises to be a very stressful match for the best third place finish between the two teams, Egypt will take on Cameroon, who are on one point after their draw with South Africa, in the afternoon.
