World Cup Qualifiers: Burkina Faso's cruise past Djibouti, Nigeria and South Africa victorious
Burkina Faso were dominate at home when they hosted Djibouti on Match Day 5 of the qualifiers. The Stallions secured a much-needed victory following a slow start to the qualifiers.
Nigeria and South Africa also bagged crucial wins on Friday evening as the race to the FIFA World Cup continues to take shape.
Group C: Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria
Goals: Osimhen (11', 45+3)
It was coach Eric Chelle’s first big assignment as head coach of the Super Eagles in an away clash to Rwanda on Friday evening.
An attack-minded approach by the Super Eagles saw Victor Osimhen shining bright for the former African champions with a brace in the 11th and 45th minute at the Amahoro Stadium.
After three draws and one loss, Nigeria finally secured its first victory in this qualification phase. The Super Eagles now sit in 4th place in Group C with 6 points.
Group C: South Africa 2-0 Lesotho
Goals: Mofokeng (62'), J. Adams (64')
Following a nervy start to the first half, South Africa found the rhythm after the break to secure a victory over their neighbours, Lesotho in a match played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Goals by the in-form Relebohile Mofokeng as well as Jayden Adams secured the tops spot in Group C for the South Africans as they look to return to the global showpiece since their hosting in 2010.
Group B: DR Congo 1-0 South SudanGoal: T. Bongonda (45+3)
Stade des Martyrs was dressed in its finest colours to host South Sudan. The atmosphere was electrifying, and it was in the 45+3rd minute that Théo Bongonda opened the score for the Leopards, following a beautiful pass from Yoane Wissa.
A narrow but precious victory that allows the Congolese to take the top spot in Group B with 10 points, ahead of the upcoming matches between Sudan and Senegal.
Group A: Burkina Faso 4-1 Djibouti
Goals: J. Tiendrébéogo (12'), B. Traoré (33'), M. Zougrana (47'), L. Traoré (67') for Burkina Faso; S. Akinbinu (88' p) for Djibouti
It was a clinical display in El Jadida as Burkina Faso fired four past Djibouti.
Josué Tiendrébéogo opened the scoring for the Stallions in the 12th minute before Bertrand Traoré followed suit in the 33rd minute, doubling the advantage for his side.
Back from the break, Brama Traoré's men maintained high intensity. Mohamed Zougrana deceived the Djibouti goalkeeper, propelling the West Africans further ahead. In the 67th minute, Lassina Traoré added another goal, consolidating Burkina Faso's dominance. Djibouti reacted late, and it was only in the 88th minute that Souleiman Akinbinu converted a penalty which did very little to change the outcome of the result.
With this victory, Burkina Faso rises to second place in Group A, tied with Sierra Leone, both with 8 points.