2025 WAFU-B U17 Qualifiers: Burkina Faso and Benin set for Group B opener 

The UFOA-B U17 qualifying tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations resumes on Sunday in Yamoussoukro, with Burkina Faso and Benin meeting in the first fixture of Group B.

The match, scheduled for 15:00 GMT at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium, marks the opening appearance of both nations in the competition.

It is expected to provide a strong indication of how Group B might unfold, as the teams begin their pursuit of a place in the semi-finals.

Burkina Faso, often praised for the discipline and physical strength of their youth sides, enter the contest aiming to establish themselves as serious challengers.

The Young Stallions will be seeking a positive start to bolster confidence and set the tone for the remainder of their campaign.

Their reputation as one of the most competitive junior teams in the region makes them a side many will be watching closely.

Benin, however, arrive with their own ambitions and a squad built on teamwork and pace.

The Cadet Squirrels will be looking to unsettle their opponents with quick transitions and collective organisation.

For them, securing points in this opening match could prove vital in boosting morale and building momentum for the group stage.

This meeting between two nations who have invested heavily in nurturing young football talent promises a finely balanced contest.

Both sides are regarded as emerging forces in West African youth football, and the outcome could be decided by which team adapts more quickly to the pressure of tournament play.

Supporters can expect a clash that highlights the contrasting qualities of the two teams: Burkina Faso’s physical and tactical rigour against Benin’s energy and speed. Such dynamics are likely to make for a lively match, with moments of individual brilliance also capable of tipping the balance.

Beyond Sunday’s fixture, the result will carry significant weight in the battle for qualification from Group B.

With only the top teams advancing to the latter stages, an early victory could provide a crucial advantage in what is anticipated to be a tightly contested pool.

As anticipation builds in Yamoussoukro, the stage is set for an encounter that will showcase the promise of West Africa’s next generation of footballers.

For both Burkina Faso and Benin, the opening whistle on Sunday signals the beginning of a campaign that could define the trajectory of their young squads.

𝐖𝐀𝐅𝐔 𝐁 𝐔𝟏𝟕 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐒

⏱ ➤ Le tournoi qualificatif U17 garçons se poursuit aujourd’hui avec les matchs du groupe B au Lycée Scientifique de Yamoussoukro.

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15:00 GMT
🏟 Stade du lycée Scientifique #ZONEOUESTB | #QAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/Yo2zMMXrou

— ZONE OUEST B (@UfoawafuB) September 21, 2025