Burkina Faso edged Gabon 3-1 in the 2019 CAF U-20 qualifiers at the Stade du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou Saturday evening.
Abdoul Fessal Tapsoba grabbed a brace for the Junior Stallions adding to Botue Kouame Jean Fiacre’s opening goal. Bekale Biyoghe Eric Jospin netted the lone goal for the visitors with Nazengue Moubeti Fadh Richard missing a penalty in the closing minutes of the game.
The Young Stallions dominated the match from the start as they searched for an early goal which finally came on the third minute from Fiacre who collected a pass from Tapsoba for the opener.
It was soon 2-0 to Burkina Faso in the 9th minute following a good move by the Young Stallions.
The bumpy pitch made it difficult for a quick, free-flowing game and Gabon midfield trio of Yomou Obiabg, Miyogho Alain and Ngoye Ferdnand failed to get the side moving forward with any vigour.
The hosts relied on their physicality to ensure any threat from the visitors was quickly muted.
The Junior Panthers then took control of the game and they were awarded a free-kick in a promising area after Fadh Richard was fouled near the Stallions box just after the half-hour mark.
Meye Me Ndong then stepped up and unleashed a powerful shot which was deflected out by the wall as the Panther pushed for an equalizing goal.
Bekale Biyoghe Eric Jospin finally gave Gabon a lifeline in the 33th minute but minutes after Burkina Faso extended their lead through Abdoul Fessal Tapsoba, who scored with a fine finish to complete a brace.
—
It was 3-1 to Burkina Faso at the interval following a lively first-half.
Gabon head coach Yala Anicet introduced Diale Floriss as the Young Stallions looked to pull their second.
However, Burkina Faso continued their dominance as they pressed Gabon in search of more goals.
Issa Kabore had a good chance to increase Burkina Faso’s lead in the 60th minute, but the Gabon goalkeeper Edward Ndong made a great double save to deny him.
Nazengue Moubeti Fadh Richard has a glorious opportunity to score in the 85th minute, but he placed his penalty kick wide with Traore Mohammed rooted to the ground.
The momentum was Gabon’s in the dying minutes of the game as Filis’s effort was cleared off the goal-line by Burkina Faso’s defender Kabore Pierre.
Burkina Faso then stood firm at the back in the closing stages of the game and ultimately, they emerged 3-1 winners over Gabon.
The winners after both legs join host Niger for the final tournament scheduled for 2-17 February 2019.
Other Results
Friday, 13 July 2018
Congo 2-2 Senegal
Saturday, 14 July 2018
Mauritania 1-1 Nigeria
Zambia 1-0 Burundi
Cameroon 1-1 Mali
