Golden Eaglets’ hopes of qualifying for the 2023 U-17 World Cup and winning the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 16 years were dashed as a result of a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to fellow West Africans Burkina Faso on Thursday.
Forward striker, Aboubacar Camara scored a brace from the penalty spot 12 minutes into the second half to help the Burkinabe to a 2-0 lead at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
Eaglets forward Abubakar Abdullahi reduced the deficit midway in the 67th minute through the second half but it was not enough as the Baby Stallions sealed a hard-fought win to reach the last four of the U-17 AFCON in Algeria, as well as seal a World Cup ticket.
Eaglets coach Nduka Ugbade did not make any changes to the team that defeated South Africa 3-2 in their last group game and they made a fine start to the game but struggled to break Burkina Faso’s defence.
Burkina Faso held on to claim a famous victory over the Eaglets as they booked their place at the 2023 World Cup.
They will now face tournament favourites Senegal in the semi-finals of the tournament. (Photo: Vanguard)