Burkina Faso delivered a dominant display on Thursday evening, overpowering Zambia 6-1 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. The emphatic win at El Arbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca secured their place in the semi-finals for the second tournament in a row, reinforcing their credentials as serious title contenders.
The Young Stallions wasted little time in stamping their authority on the match. Mohamed Fofana opened the scoring in the 11th minute, taking full advantage of a defensive slip to turn in a precise cross from Abdoul Moumine Ouedraogo.
Just ten minutes later, Burkina Faso doubled their lead. After Nkotami Chimwemwe brought down Issouf Diakité in the box, Souleymane Tapsoba stepped up to convert the penalty confidently—his fifth goal of the tournament.
Zambia pulled one back in the 35th minute through Abel Salim Nyirongo, who pounced on a loose ball to slot past goalkeeper Prince Hamed Ouédraogo. Nyirongo came close to equalizing in first-half stoppage time, but was denied in a one-on-one by the Burkinabè keeper.
Burkina Faso emerged from the break with renewed energy and quickly regained full control. Diakité made it 3-1 in the 58th minute, calmly finishing off a pinpoint delivery from Coulibaly. The goal was upheld following a quick VAR check.
Diakité added his second just ten minutes later, dancing through a static Zambian defense before slotting home after a clever setup from Tapsoba.
The Young Chipolopolo’s woes continued when Mwape fouled Bagayoko in the penalty area in the 78th minute. Tapsoba converted once again from the spot, and rounded off his hat-trick in the 90th minute by capitalizing on another defensive lapse.
With this commanding win, Burkina Faso not only booked a spot in the semi-finals but also issued a statement to the rest of the competition. The attacking duo of Diakité and Tapsoba — now the tournament’s leading scorer with seven goals — has emerged as one of the most formidable pairings in the championship.
Already qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Burkina Faso now sets its sights on reaching the U-17 AFCON final once again, chasing a second continental title after their maiden triumph in 2011.
