Burkina Faso will face Uganda in the Round of 16 tomorrow .
Doha, Qatar: Burkina Faso will face fellow African side Uganda in the Round of 16 tomorrow after a stunning 1-0 victory over defending champions Germany at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The Young Stallions’ remarkable performance highlighted their resilience and tactical discipline, leaving the reigning champions stunned.
Captain Cherif Barro praised his team’s effort: “Not many people can beat the reigning champions. We fought hard and defended our lead, and I’m proud of how we performed.”
The decisive goal came in the fifth minute when Mohamed Zongo unleashed a superb strike from the edge of the box.
Coach Oscar Barro lauded his players’ determination: “We knew Germany were tough opponents with skill and talent, but we respect every team without fear.” German coach Marc-Patrick Meister also commended Burkina Faso, calling them “a very hard-working team who did everything they could to stop us from scoring.”
Despite sustained pressure from Germany, Burkina Faso remained composed and even created several chances to extend their lead. Their performance, brimming with heart and endeavour, lacked only a clinical finishing touch.
The focus now shifts to a compelling all-African duel against Uganda, who edged past Senegal 1-0 earlier. Burkina Faso enter the match with momentum, remaining unbeaten in their last three games following an opening defeat to the USA.
“We’ll start preparing tomorrow to ensure we’re not caught off guard,” said Coach Barro. “Uganda are a quality side, and we need to plan carefully. We played them in a friendly before, but every team evolves.”
Uganda have impressed in their World Cup debut, recovering from an opening loss to Canada to draw with Chile and beat France 1-0, then overcoming Senegal in the last 32. Goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi, named Player of the Match against Senegal, said, “Our goal now is to go as far as possible in the competition.”
Goalscorer Abubakali Walusimbi added, “We have to believe we can win the World Cup. It’s our first time, but we’ve got what it takes.”
