U-17 AFCON: “It’s a source of motivation for the next matches;” Burkina Faso hero Achraf Tapsoba

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Hilary Christelle Tolo Kpadonou for Pan-Africa Football.

Burkina Faso under-17 national team star Achraf Lookman Tapsoba distinguished himself on Monday during the Stallions' opening match against Cameroon. Author of a double (19', 40'), he guided his team to victory and won the Man of the Match award along with producing an early Goal of the Tournament candidate.

"I'm very happy to win this Man of the Match award," said the young Burkinabe striker after the match, in which he played a massive role for his team. "It wasn't easy," he admitted, facing a tough and possessive Cameroonian team.

"I also thank God for this victory, and I especially ask Him to spare us injuries. It's a source of motivation for the upcoming matches," he said after the match.

Oscar Barro not Surprised

Achraf Lookman Tapsoba's performance left no one indifferent, especially the masterclass he displayed with his second goal in the 40th minute. Having just cleared Cameroonian central defender Christ Iréné Ntamak in midfield, he shot from his position to chip the Indomitable Lions goalkeeper, Junior Lopez Abou, who was far from his net and couldn't quickly reach back to save. But Achraf is clearly used to such situations, as his coach wasn't surprised by his move.

"I don't know what word to use to describe his goals. It's very rare to see goals like this. But I'm not surprised because he's a boy who has natural goal scoring skills, and he does it often in training. He manages to pull off moves like that in training."

"So for me, it's not something new. It's not a coincidence, it's very deliberate." This could be the best goal of the competition according to the Burkinabe technician. "For me, the goal that will beat this goal will be really very difficult. Because it's an anthology goal, a goal from a purebred center forward," said Oscar Barro at a press conference.