Mohamed Zongo scored the winning goal for Burkina Faso. Pictures: X/@FIFAWorldCup
Doha, Qatar: Burkina Faso sent reigning champions Germany packing with a narrow 1-0 victory while debutants Uganda edged Senegal 1-0 to continue their dream run and advance to the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Doha yesterday.
Uzbekistan defeated Croatia in a penalty shootout to complete the Round of 32 at Aspire Zone’s Competition Complex. England, Italy, Japan, North Korea and Austria also advanced with Round of 16 matches set for Tuesday after a two-day break.
Burkina Faso struck early through Mohamed Zongo in the fifth minute and held on at Ibrahim Khalfan Pitch to eliminate Germany. The 2023 champions pressed hard and thought they had equalised in stoppage time, but Benno Kaltefleiter’s goal was ruled offside, sending Burkina Faso into the last 16.
“Tonight, I want to congratulate my young players. They showed tenacity, commitment, and solidarity. We played a flawless game. These young players are warriors,” said coach Oscar Barro.
At Mansour Muftah Pitch, Uganda’s Abubakali Walusimbi stunned Senegal in the 15th minute with a strike from outside the box, slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner. It was Senegal’s first goal conceded in the tournament. Goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi made brilliant saves to preserve Uganda’s lead, while Senegal saw a penalty overturned and a goal canceled for offside.
“It’s massive. The game wasn’t easy because of the physicality, but we were strong. It’s great for my team to reach the Round of 16, and for me personally, winning Player of the Match is special,” said Waibi.
Uzbekistan defeated Croatia 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Adel Mallala Pitch. Sadriddin Khasanov scored in the 24th minute, only for Tino Kusanovic to equalise nine minutes before time. Khasanov then converted the decisive penalty in the shootout.
Also yesterday, England beat South Korea 2-0 at Mahmoud Soufi Pitch. They took the lead via Jung Huiseop’s own goal in the 28th minute, with Reigan Heskey adding a second seven minutes later. South Korea never threatened England’s lead.
“It was a very good performance. That’s back-to-back clean sheets. We started how we meant to go on, controlling possession. We’re building momentum and improving with each round,” said captain Seth Ridgeon.
At Mohammed Ghanim Pitch, Italy defeated Czechia 2-0. Antonio Arena scored in the 52nd minute, followed by Valerio Maccaroni in the 78th, securing Italy’s place in the last 16.
“I’m happy with the result and the team. We play together as a family. Now it’s time to recover and focus on the next match,” said Arena.
Japan delivered a stunning second-half performance to thrash South Africa 3-0 at Bader Bilal Pitch. Hiroto Asada scored in the 48th minute, with Minato Yoshida and substitute Shota Fujii adding the other two goals.
North Korea edged Venezuela 2-1 at Khaled Salman Pitch. Kim Yu-jin scored twice in the first half, including a 31st-minute penalty. Juan Uribe pulled one back in the 62nd, but North Korea held on.
In other Round of 32 clash, Austria beat Tunisia 2-0 at Khaled Ballan Pitch with two late goals. Johannes Moser converted a penalty in the 83rd minute, followed by an own goal from Mazen Slama Essefi in the 84th.
