U-17 World Cup: Burkina Faso defeat Uganda in penalty shootout

Burkina Faso came back from a goal down before defeating Uganda 5-4 in a penalty shootout on Tuesday to qualify for the quarterfinals at the 2025 U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Alassana Bagayogo equalized for the Burkinabe team in the 77th minute to set the stage for penalty drama and it was the West African nation who progressed. The Stallions went on to convert all five of their spot kicks, good enough to finish the job after Derick Ssozi put his penalty off the crossbar on Uganda’s third attempt.

The first half was mostly even before the East Africans jumped out into the lead before the hour mark. Arafat Nkoola produced a beautiful curled shot to put the Cubs ahead.

#ICYMI | Arafat Nkoola’s curler for the Cubs. #U17WC | #HomeOfUgandanSport pic.twitter.com/L5a0YBzTIt

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) November 18, 2025

With plenty of vocal support behind them, the Cubs looked set to continue their dream run. However, the West Africans increased their efforts and found the reward through Bagayogo about twenty minutes later. Tied 1-1 at the end of ninety minutes, the match went directly to penalty kicks where Burkina Faso became the first African team to advance to the quarterfinals of the competition.

The Stallions will face Italy on Friday for a place in the semifinals. Later on Tuesday, Morocco will clash against Mali in another all-African matchup in the Round of 16.

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