U-17 World Cup: Burkina Faso were not clinical in Italy defeat – Barro

Burkina Faso U-17 national team coach Oscar Barro has blamed the team’s exit from the 2025 U-17 FIFA World Cup to missed opportunity during their quarterfinal fixture in Qatar on Friday.

A late Thomas Campaniello goal proved the difference as Italy eliminated the African side to set up a meeting with Austria in the semifinals.

The Stallions twice came close in the first half, with electric attacker Mohamed Zongo striking the bar from range before smashing the post following a smart Alessandro Longoni stop.

Italy held firm and looked to have snatched it when Luca Reggiani tapped home from inside the six-yard box, but he was greeted with the offside flag as he wheeled away to celebrate.

The flag wouldn’t come to Burkina Faso’s rescue five minutes later, though, as a poor goal-kick from Rahim Ouattara fell to Campaniello, who burst inside two defenders and lashed home.

Burkina Faso should have killed the game

Speaking after the game, Barro told FIFA.com: “It was a very tactical match in which we had opportunities but weren’t clinical enough in front of goal. We should have killed off the game before we slipped up, because we were dictating play.

“But we must congratulate the lads, who were very brave, very disciplined and showed a lot of commitment throughout this competition. We also congratulate the Italian team. We will continue to learn and improve.”

Another African side Morocco were knocked out after losing 2-1 against Brazil.