Africa Shines: Four Nations Reach U-17 World Cup Round of 16 As Burkina Faso Shock Germany

Africa Shines: Four Nations Reach U-17 World Cup Round of 16 As Burkina Faso Shock Germany

By Admin 

Burkina Faso delivered one of the major shocks of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, eliminating defending champions Germany to extend Africa’s strong showing at the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Mohamed Zongo produced the defining moment of the match, striking a powerful effort into the far corner to secure a 1–0 victory and end Germany’s title defence in dramatic fashion. The opportunity arose after Mussa Kaba’s miscontrol allowed Cherif Barro to release Zongo down the right flank. The forward cut inside and unleashed a decisive finish that Germany failed to recover from.

Germany thought they had rescued the match deep into stoppage time when Benno Kaltefleiter bundled the ball into the net in the 97th minute. However, VAR intervention ruled the goal out for offside, confirming Burkina Faso’s passage to the round of 16 and sending the holders home early.

The Stallions will next face Uganda in an all-African knockout clash.

Uganda’s Remarkable Debut Continues

Uganda’s impressive World Cup debut rolled on with a resilient 1–0 victory over Senegal, one of Africa’s top contenders. Abubakali Walusimbi scored the only goal of the match, seizing on Uganda’s first clear chance to hand Senegal their first concession of the tournament.

The Cranes then relied on disciplined defending and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi. Senegal applied intense pressure, forcing Waibi into several key saves, including a strong stop from Mignane Ndour. Senegal had a penalty overturned and a goal disallowed as Uganda held firm to secure a historic place in the last 16.

Uganda will now meet Burkina Faso in a highly anticipated all-African encounter defined by contrasting but equally compelling narratives: debutant momentum versus knockout-stage pedigree.

Japan Advance Comfortably, South Africa Eliminated

In other action, Japan cruised to a convincing win over South Africa. After Hiroto Asada eventually forced the opening goal over the line at the third attempt, the Japanese side capitalised on defensive lapses to add further goals through Minato Yoshida and Shota Fujii. The result ensured Japan’s smooth progression, while condemning South Africa to elimination.

Europe and Asia Complete the Knockout Field

England, Italy, Japan, Korea DPR, and Austria have all secured their places in the round of 16. With Croatia set to face Uzbekistan in the final match of the round, the knockout bracket is close to finalized. Africa, however, has already produced the tournament’s standout storyline.

Germany are out. Uganda continue to defy expectations. Burkina Faso have delivered the shock of the competition. Morocco and Mali are also safely through, ensuring strong continental representation in the next phase.

The 2025 U-17 World Cup has taken a dramatic turn and the knockout stage promises even more intrigue.