Share
By Ebenezer Bajela.
In a repeat of the WAFU U-17 qualifying round Zone B final, Burkina Faso will go head-to-head with the Golden Eaglets in Thursday’s (today) quarter-final showdown at the ongoing CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Both sides will battle it out for a place in the semi-finals of the cadet competition.
The winners of the encounter will be guaranteed a place at the U-17 World Cup later this year.
The Eaglets reached the last eight after defeating South Africa in their last group match Saturday, coming from behind twice to edge their opponents 3-2.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso stunned defending champions and tournament favourites Cameroon to book a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Ibrahima Traore’s side came from behind to claim a 2-1 win in their final group game.
Prior to today’s meeting, both sides have met three times, with Nigeria winning twice, while Burkina Faso triumphed once.
The Eaglets will aim to win their third AFCON U-17 title and end their 16 years wait for the title and know that just three games is all that lies between them and the trophy.
A repeat of both sides’ last encounter in June 2022, when Nduka Ugbade’s side claimed a 2-1 win, will see them through to the semi-finals of the U-17 AFCON.
Ugbade said the Eaglets’ 3-2 win over South Africa in their last Group B match gave them the confidence to go all the way at the tournament.
Speaking to CAFonline after the win over South Africa, Ugbade said his boys were in good shape heading into the game against Burkina Faso.
“These boys have now picked up the confidence they needed, following the defeat by Morocco, and they are now looking forward to going all the way here,” Ugbade said.
“This victory has restored the boys’ confidence. We needed such a win going into the knockout rounds, and it is our belief that we can handle the pressure there.”
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso will look to avenge their 2-1 loss to the Eaglets last year and qualify for the World Cup.
Head coach of the Stallions Brahima Traore said, “We had two objectives in this tournament; first to get to the semi-finals and then to fight for the title. We will prepare well for Nigeria to enable us to get to the semis and earn the World Cup ticket.”
