Côte d’Ivoire secured third place at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a thrilling 5-2 penalty shootout victory over Burkina Faso on Friday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
After a fiercely contested 1-1 draw in regulation time, the Young Elephants kept their composure in the shootout, converting all four of their spot-kicks, while Burkina Faso missed two of their first three attempts.
Burkina Faso had taken a deserved lead in the 28th minute when Halidou Diakité found the net from the center of the box following a chaotic sequence after a corner. The Stallions dominated much of the first half, using quick transitions and winning physical battles in midfield to maintain pressure on Côte d’Ivoire.
However, the Ivorians regrouped in the second half, buoyed by key substitutions, and eventually drew level in the 84th minute. Substitute Alynho Haïdara turned home from close range after a well-orchestrated move down the left wing.
The closing stages of normal time were intense. Burkina Faso were reduced to 10 men when Prince Ouédraogo was shown a straight red card following a VAR review in the 90th minute. Côte d’Ivoire pressed hard for a late winner, but Burkina Faso’s defense held firm, sending the match to penalties.
In the shootout, Côte d’Ivoire were clinical. Haïdara, Souhalio Bamba, Vaboué Doumbia, and Yannis Touali all scored, while Burkina Faso’s Mikael Coulibaly and Comi Ouattara saw their efforts saved.
The victory secures a bronze medal for Côte d’Ivoire, a reward for their resilience and fighting spirit after trailing for much of the match.
For Burkina Faso, the defeat brings a disappointing end to a campaign marked by moments of flair and promise.
While both sides will take valuable lessons from their experience in Morocco, it is Côte d’Ivoire who leave with the podium finish—and a strong statement for the future.
