Tapsoba hat-trick fires rampant Burkina Faso to reach last four
Burkina Faso delivered a commanding performance on Thursday evening, thrashing Zambia 6-1 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations to storm into the semi-finals for a second consecutive edition.
The emphatic win at the El Arbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s title credentials, as they outclassed the Young Chipolopolo in every department to reach the last four — repeating their achievement from the 2023 edition in Algeria.
Early dominance sets the tone
The Young Stallions wasted no time asserting control over the match. Mohamed Fofana opened the scoring in the 11th minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse from the Zambians, turning in a cross from Abdoul Moumine Ouedraogo.
Burkina Faso doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Nkotami Chimwemwe fouled Issouf Diakité in the box. Souleymane Tapsoba stepped up and converted the penalty with confidence, scoring his fifth goal of the tournament.
Though Zambia managed to reduce the deficit in the 35th minute through Abel Salim Nyirongo, who latched onto a loose ball to slot past goalkeeper Prince Hamed Ouédraogo, the Southern Africans never truly recovered. Nyirongo nearly found an equaliser in stoppage time of the first half, but was denied by the Burkinabè keeper in a crucial one-on-one.
Second-half masterclass
After the break, Burkina Faso returned with even more intensity. Diakité made it 3-1 in the 58th minute with a composed finish from a precise cross by Coulibaly — a goal that was upheld following a quick VAR check.
Just ten minutes later, Diakité bagged his brace after weaving through a static Zambian backline, slotting in from a clever assist by Tapsoba.
Zambia’s misery deepened when Mwape fouled Bagayoko in the penalty area in the 78th minute, allowing Tapsoba to strike again from the spot. The prolific striker capped off a superb individual display with a third goal in the 90th minute, punishing a defensive error to make it 6-1.
Stallions gallop into title contention
With this resounding victory, Burkina Faso not only advance to the semi-finals but also send a clear message to the remaining contenders. Their attacking duo of Diakité and Tapsoba — who now tops the tournament’s scoring chart with seven goals — has emerged as one of the most dangerous partnerships in the competition.
Having already sealed their qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup before this match, Burkina Faso now turn their focus to reaching their second U-17 AFCON final, as they chase a second continental crown, following their 2011 triumph.