2025 U17 World Cup: Burkina Faso edge Uganda on penalties to reach quarter-finals

Burkina Faso secured their place in the quarter-finals of the U17 World Cup after defeating Uganda 5–3 on penalties on Tuesday in Doha, following a tightly contested 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Uganda began the match with clear attacking intent, pressing high and creating early openings.

Within ten minutes, Arafat Nkoola threatened with a shot inside the area after receiving a well-weighted pass from Elvis Torach, only to see his effort blocked.

Moments later, Richard Okello tested the Burkinabè goalkeeper with a long-range strike set up by Abubakali Walusimbi, forcing a firm save to keep the score level.

Burkina Faso, initially on the back foot, gradually grew into the game as the first half progressed.

Their best moment came in the 39th minute when Alassana Bagayogo met a precise cross from Cherif Barro, driving a close-range strike toward goal.

Uganda’s defence, however, reacted quickly and managed to block the attempt, preserving the deadlock at half-time.

The breakthrough arrived early in the second half, with Uganda capitalising on sustained pressure.

Nkoola, who had troubled Burkina Faso throughout the opening stages, found the net in the 56th minute, giving the East Africans a deserved lead.

The goal energised Uganda, who continued to push forward in search of a second.

Burkina Faso refused to yield and responded with growing determination.

Their resilience paid off in the 77th minute when Bagayogo, lively throughout, struck the equaliser.

The forward seized on a loose ball inside the box and fired past the goalkeeper, restoring hope for the Stallions as both sides chased a late winner.

Despite chances at either end, neither team could find the decisive goal before the final whistle, sending the match into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Burkina Faso displayed composure and precision, converting all five attempts. Uganda, under mounting pressure, faltered with one miss that proved decisive.

The 5–3 shootout victory sends Burkina Faso into the quarter-finals, continuing their impressive run in the tournament.

For Uganda, the result brings a competitive campaign to a close, marked by spirited performances but ultimately undone by the cruelties of a penalty decider.