Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – (African Boulevard News) – Burkina Faso’s head coach Brahima Traore has expressed his disappointment following the team’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Mali in their opening Group C match of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Traore attributed the loss to missed opportunities, which he believed could have turned the game around in favor of his team.
Burkina Faso started the match brightly, and their attacking prowess created several chances in the early stages. However, the team failed to convert any of these opportunities into goals, and this allowed Mali to slowly gain control of the match. Mali eventually took the lead through Samed Kone’s goal in the 59th minute, and despite Burkina Faso’s efforts to find the equalizer, the match ended in a 1-0 loss for the West African side.
Traore, who took charge of the team in 2019, expressed his disappointment at the missed chances and the result. “We had many opportunities, but unfortunately we could not make the most of them. It’s a missed opportunity for us, and we have to make sure we improve ahead of our next game,” said Traore in his post-match press conference.
Despite the loss, Traore remained optimistic and urged his team to focus on the next game. “We have to move on from this game and prepare for the next one. We will work hard to correct our mistakes and ensure we come back stronger,” he added.
Burkina Faso will face Senegal in their next Group C match on Wednesday, and Traore will be hoping for a better performance from his side. With three points up for grabs, the team will need to convert their chances to stand a chance of advancing to the knockout stages of the competition.
The TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations is the largest continental football competition for under-17 teams, and it serves as a platform for young players to showcase their talents. The tournament, which is taking place in Morocco, features some of the best young talents from across the continent. The winner of the competition will represent Africa at the FIFA U17 World Cup to be held in Peru in October.
In conclusion, Traore’s disappointment at the missed opportunities in Burkina Faso’s opening match is understandable. However, with two games still to play, the team has a chance to make amends and qualify for the knockout stages of the competition. The coaches, players, and fans will be hoping for a better outcome in the coming matches.
