The Burkinabe U17 national team delivered a masterclass against Zambia on Thursday, storming into the Africa U17 Cup of Nations semi-finals with a dominant 6-1 victory in Casablanca. Star striker Ashraf Tapsoba silenced doubters with a hat-trick, taking his tournament tally to seven goals and seizing the competition’s golden boot lead.
Despite initial questions over coach Adama Malo’s lineup—leaving group-stage standout Abdoulaye Latif Diaby on the bench—the Etalons responded emphatically.
Tapsoba broke the deadlock in the 21st minute before Zambia briefly rallied through Abel Nyirongo’s strike (35’).
The second half became a one-sided spectacle as Burkina Faso unleashed relentless attacks.
Halidou Diakité’s brace (58’, 68’) and Tapsoba’s two late goals—including a penalty—completed the rout.
With Tapsoba now topping the scoring charts, Burkina Faso awaits Friday’s Tunisia- Mali winner for a high-stakes semi-final clash.
