Ouagadougou: Despite suffering two defeats in the ongoing U17 World Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia, Burkina Faso’s Cadet Stallions remain hopeful for a spot in the second round. The team’s chances hinge on their performance in the remaining matches of Pool E and the outcomes of other groups.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Cadet Stallions face a challenging situation but are not yet out of the competition. Traoré expressed frustration with the team’s performance, especially in their latest match against the United States, where Burkina Faso lost 1-2. This defeat followed an earlier loss to France (0-3), putting the team in a precarious position. However, Traoré maintains hope, citing the tournament structure that allows the four best third-placed teams from the group phase to advance.
The coach noted that while Burkina Faso controlled portions of the match and created opportunities, they were unable to capitalize on them, leading to their defeat. He identified finishing as the team’s primary issue and emphasized the need for continued hard work to improve.
Currently, France leads Group E with 6 points and a +4 goal difference, followed by the United States with 6 points and a +3 goal difference. South Korea and Burkina Faso are yet to earn points, with -3 and -4 goal differences, respectively.
The final matches of Group E are scheduled for November 18. Burkina Faso will face South Korea, while France and the United States, both already qualified for the next round, will compete in a match of high stakes for group positioning. The outcome of these matches will determine whether Burkina Faso’s slim hopes for advancement in the tournament will come to fruition.