Burkina Faso U17 target podium finish after CAN qualification setback

Burkina Faso’s Etalons cadets will look to end the UFOA-B U17 qualifying tournament on a positive note when they play in the third-place play-off, after missing out on qualification for the Coupe d’Afrique des nations (CAN) U17.

Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference, national team coach Mamadou Zongo, known as Bebeto, urged his players to recover from their semi-final defeat and secure a place on the podium.

“Our objective was to qualify for the CAN, but unfortunately we did not succeed. We now have to regroup and go out to win this third place,” said the Burkina Faso coach.

The semi-final loss ended the team’s hopes of reaching the CAN U17 through the UFOA-B tournament. Bebeto said, however, that the squad remained motivated to finish the competition strongly despite the disappointment of falling short of its main target.

Reflecting on the campaign, the coach said Burkina Faso had fielded the youngest team in the tournament and still required time to develop. He believes a longer preparation period, together with additions to the squad, could help the Etalons return as a more competitive side at the next edition.

Bebeto also identified finishing as one of the main weaknesses exposed during the tournament. Although his players had created a number of opportunities, they had not been able to turn enough of them into goals.

“We created a great many chances, but we failed to convert them,” he said.

Mohamed Togoli, who appeared alongside the coach, acknowledged the squad’s frustration after the semi-final elimination. He said the players had responded to the coach’s message and were now focused on claiming third place.

“We were all very disappointed. The coach spoke to us and we will focus on going out to win this third place,” Togoli said.

With qualification for the CAN U17 no longer possible through this tournament, the Etalons cadets must now prepare for their final fixture. Victory in the third-place play-off would allow them to finish the competition on the podium.