Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will lock horns with Ghana in the semi-finals of the WAFU-B U17 Championship after playing out a goalless draw against Burkina Faso in their final group game on Saturday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, Bold Sports reports.
The encounter at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique was a direct battle for the top spot in their three-team group, as both sides had already sealed qualification to the last four. Despite enjoying more of the possession, Nigeria found it difficult to break down the resilient Young Stallions.
Chances were few and far between in the first half. The Eaglets rarely troubled Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper Cire Traore, while at the other end, Great Edafe was called into action minutes before the break, producing a vital save to keep the scoreline level.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Nigeria came closest when a deflected cross rattled the upright, while Boluwatife Thompson’s stoppage-time effort was blocked after some neat footwork in the box.
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In the end, the stalemate was enough for Nigeria to finish as group leaders on superior goal difference. The result sets up a mouthwatering semi-final clash against West African rivals Ghana, while Burkina Faso will square off against hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the other tie.
Both semi-final matches are scheduled for Tuesday at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, with the finalists guaranteed a spot at next year’s CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
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