TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON: Burkina Faso vs Zambia - a high-stakes quarter-final
The only team to have won all three of their group matches, Burkina Faso face Zambia for a place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON on Thursday. The two sides approach the match with confidence in what promises to be a tightly contested battle.
There's no more room for calculations. Now that it's knockout stage time, every detail matters. Burkina Faso, impressive in the group stage with three wins from three, meet a Zambian team in the quarter-finals that also remains unbeaten. A clash of the unbeaten, and potentially one of the standout fixtures of this round.
“We’re approaching this match with caution and determination. It will be a very tough game against a physical side, very different from our previous opponents. But we no longer need to hide. The objective is clear: to go for the trophy”, says Burkina Faso coach, Oscar Barro.
Having topped their group convincingly, the young Stallions are growing in confidence. A favourite’s status that Mohamed Fofana, one of the team's key players, embraces:
“The team spirit is excellent. We’re really motivated. It was great to finish first, but now we want to go even further.”
For Zambia, this marks a historic milestone. The U-17 Chipolopolo are playing their first ever quarter-final in the competition. But their coach, Ian Bakala has no intention of stopping there.
“Our players are ready. We’ve already achieved our first goal: qualifying for the World Cup. Now, we’re playing for the title. It will be a balanced match, a real 50-50, but I truly believe we will win”.
The same sentiment is echoed by his captain, Vincent Mutondo.
“In the dressing room, we always remind ourselves we’re here for two things: to qualify for the World Cup and to win the trophy. Tomorrow, we play to win. It’s no longer the group stage. There has to be a winner”.
Two styles, one goal
The match promises to be as tactical as it is physical. Burkina Faso have shone through their attacking prowess and the technical quality of players like Asharaf Tapsoba, praised by his coach for his humility and consistency.
“He scores those kinds of goals in training – it’s no fluke”, said Oscar Barro.
Zambia, in contrast, are notable for their resilience under pressure, as shown in their goalless draw with tournament hosts Morocco. A match that coach Bakala found revealing:
“It was a tactical battle. They were a bit wary of us because we beat them in the last AFCON. Tomorrow will be a different fight”.
A clash of ambition
Beyond the game itself, it’s also a clash of developmental philosophies. Burkina Faso place emphasis on protecting their young talents, with coach Oscar Barro refusing early contact with agents.
They need to be protected to ensure their development isn’t destabilised, “he insists.
Zambia, for their part, remain calm despite the long journeys and pressure of the occasion.
“We stay focused on our playing style and enjoy the game", concludes Mutondo.