Togo revived their campaign at the 2025 WAFU B U20 Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Burkina Faso on Monday, reigniting hopes of progression after an opening-day defeat to Niger.
Determined to respond following their earlier setback, the junior Hawks came into the match with renewed purpose and energy.
Their intent was evident from the opening whistle as they pressed high and tested Burkina Faso’s defensive line with early chances.
The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute when Glo Maruis capitalised on a swift counterattack to slot home the decisive goal.
The forward’s clinical finish gave Togo a deserved lead and injected confidence into the side.
Burkina Faso, who had also lost their opening fixture, struggled to impose themselves in the first half.
However, Boureima Kaboré’s team emerged from the break with greater urgency, launching waves of attacks in search of an equaliser.
Despite their dominance in the second period, Burkina Faso were unable to breach the Togolese defence.
Goalkeeper Kokou Alassan remained alert throughout, while Togo’s backline, marshalled with discipline and determination, absorbed the pressure to preserve their slender advantage.
The defeat marks a second consecutive loss for Burkina Faso, leaving them rooted at the bottom of the group and in danger of early elimination.
Kaboré’s men now face an uphill battle to keep their tournament hopes alive.
For Togo, the narrow victory breathes life into their campaign, placing them back in contention ahead of their final group-stage fixture.
With three points now on the board, they remain in the running for a semi-final berth, depending on other results.
The junior Hawks will now look to build on this momentum, knowing that consistency will be key if they are to progress further in the competition.
Burkina Faso, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they prepare for their final group game, where pride and potential redemption will be at stake.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, the competition remains wide open, with each result proving pivotal in determining the path to the knockout rounds.