U-17 AFCON: Burkina Faso holds off late charge from Egypt, qualifies for U-17 World Cup

Photo Credit: @CAF_Online/X

Burkina Faso are the first African nation to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup after the Stallions defeated Egypt 2-1 on Thursday in action from Group B of the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The hero from Burkina Faso's opening victory over Cameroon, Ashraf Tapsoba, scored again to give his team the 2-0 advantage and a lead they would hold onto. The Stallions held off a late charge to clinch a top-2 position in Group B, a position that secures qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals set to be played in Qatar in November.

It was an even clash but costly defensive mistakes by the Egyptian team were exploited by the Burkinabes to make the difference. Issouf Dabo gave Burkina Faso the lead close to halftime, bouncing in his finish from a rebound when Tapsoba's long range free kick attempt on goal was spilled by Egypt goalkeeper Yasin Hatem.

In the second half, soon after Egypt almost scored from a similar free kick situation, Burkina Faso countered quickly and caught the Egyptian defense exposed. Abdoulaye Diaby got behind on the right wing and his cross was taken down by Tapsoba and finished in style.

Egypt made a late charge, pulling one back in the 78th minute when Belal Ateya produced a low finish from Anas Roshdi's through ball. A chance to equalize arrived deep into stoppge time but Abdel El Zoghby fired low and wide from a rebound after Roshdi's powerful effort was denied by Burkinabe goalkeeper Prince Ouedraogo.

Group B Table (2 matches played)

	Points
Burkina Faso	6
South Africa	4
Cameroon	1
Egypt	0

• The top two finishers qualify for the quarterfinals and the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

• The four third place finishers qualify for a playoff, from which two teams qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.